Mitigating mail-borne threats

seen the need to protect their staff and business continuity from this ongoing threat. What is surprising is the number of agencies and organizations who, after ten years of ongoing attacks, have not implemented effective measures including policies and procedures.

We are not aware of any financial impact study of this ongoing threat, but when you look at the expenditure on airline security, cyber security and then compare this to what is expended on protecting against a mail born threats that time and time again penetrates the layers of security of many organizations there seems to be an imbalance. It is often asked, “If we cannot stop a substance filled envelope entering an organization how do we stop a higher level threat?”

Effective policy and procedures, appropriate training and the right equipment can have a major impact on minimizing this threat. Apathy is one of the biggest issues and the “It will never happen to us” attitude.

HSNW: Scanning every package is a slow, cumbersome, and expensive process. Are there more efficient ways to detect mail born threats?

MM: Metallic based threats are relatively easy to detect using x-ray systems if you have a well-trained and attentive staff. Substance based threats are far harder to detect which is why the most effective method is to have well-trained mail handlers in a properly equipped mailroom who become the first line of defense for the organization. It is interesting that long term staff working in the mailroom is probably the most effective detection system for this threat as it is their corporate knowledge that allows them to identify what is normal mail and what is abnormal.

Just as you have controlled entry areas into an organization for staff and visitors or high levels of cybersecurity to protect against incoming cyberattacks the same needs to occur in the mailroom. It is far better to slow the mail process down than to have to shut the organization down.

HSNW: How does your company’s technology help mitigate the threat posed by dangerous substances hidden in envelopes?

MM: The PowderSafe Containment system is a portable gas tight containment system that can be deployed anywhere in an organization. The ability to take the system to the threat rather than taking the threat to a nominated location can reduce the potential spread of an unknown material.

As a gastight environment it does not matter what type of substance is placed in the chamber the simple fact is that it is sealed in a way that places an effective barrier between the mail handler and the envelope. Powdersafe does not make any claims to neutralize or analyze for a limited range of substances. What we do is contain and control, allow an initial investigation to determine if a threat is actually present and when confirmed you have the item in a portable system for the first responders to evaluate and remove if required

No power is required and the system is extremely simple to operate. Forensic evidence is also protected from the point the envelope is locked in the chamber.

Powdersafe is about creating a safe system of work that protects the staff and the organization. Like any product it is an aid to assist well trained and alert staff but unlike many products Powdersafe deals with all unknown substances.

With customers using the system around the world it is a proven piece of technology that has received high praise from the users.