Building Resilient Security: A Principle-Driven Consulting Case Study

Organizations with multiple, geographically disparate sites face considerable security challenges. Managing security-related reporting, stakeholder buy-in, and procedural consistency becomes increasingly complex as the number of people and locations expand.  

To mitigate the vulnerabilities generated by the variables described above, security consulting services must be grounded in proven principles: comprehensive, layered, redundant, integrated, and enduring. This case study demonstrates how a holistic, principle-driven approach delivers real, measurable improvements for organizations with complex risk profiles.

Why Security Consulting Services Matter

Organizations, whether in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or elsewhere, must contend with a diverse array of threats:

• Targeted violence and hate crimes: According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), 67% of attacks on Houses of Worship (HoW) nationwide between 2009 and 2019 were motivated by hatred of a particular racial or religious identity, and 22% were linked to domestic disputes or personal crises. Lone actors were responsible for 80% of these attacks, and according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) the number of active shooter incidents in the U.S. has increased by more than 66% from 2018 to 2022, with Pennsylvania recording 21 such incidents between 2000 and 2019.
• Cybercrime: According to CISA, cyberattacks now account for at least 11% of attacks on HoWs, but underreporting means the real number is likely higher. Cybercrime against organizations can result in significant financial and reputational losses, with recent cases costing single organizations hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
• Environmental hazards: Risks are not relegated to human-caused hazards, and many regions are susceptible to natural hazards. Pittsburgh, for example, may be particularly vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and severe weather events.  Nearly 86,000 residential properties in Allegheny County are at risk from extreme precipitation, and climate trends suggest these risks will only increase.  Consultants who help organizations develop emergency management plans, for example, can assess the risk these hazards pose to organizations and help develop a plan to manage them.

Given these realities, organizations require security consulting services that are multi-faceted, holistic, and go beyond generic solutions to address the unique risks of each client.

Principles of Protection: The Foundation for Effective Security Consulting

Comprehensive

• Address all hazards – physical, cyber, and environmental – across every site.
• Use all-hazards risk assessments to capture the full range of threats, from targeted violence to severe weather.

 Layered

• Implement multiple, overlapping security measures to prevent single points of failure.
• Examples include physical barriers, surveillance systems, and staff training, all working in concert to deter, detect, and delay threats.

Redundant

• Ensure backup systems and protocols for critical functions, such as emergency communications and power.
• Redundancy means operations can continue even if one system fails, minimizing disruption during crises.

Integrated

• Align security efforts across departments, sites, and with external partners, including first responders and local law enforcement.
• Integration enables rapid, coordinated responses and ensures that no site or team operates in isolation. 

Enduring

• Build a program that adapts to evolving threats and sustains effectiveness over time.
• Enduring programs include regular training, policy reviews, and continuous improvement cycles to keep pace with new risks.

Case Study: Holistic Security Consulting in Action

This case study demonstrates how a holistic, principle-driven approach delivers real, measurable improvements for organizations with complex risk profiles.

Assessment and Key Findings

A recent risk assessment for a multi-site House of Worship organization in the Greater Pittsburgh region revealed several key challenges:

• Inconsistent security policies and procedures across sites, leading to uneven preparedness and vulnerability.
• Varied relationships with first responders, with some locations lacking formal engagement with law enforcement or emergency services.
• Non-standardized access control and unclear roles and responsibilities, which created gaps in situational awareness and response coordination.
• Lack of redundancy and integration in emergency communications and security protocols, increasing the risk of operational failures during incidents.

Applying Principles Through Consulting Services: Security Program Design and Implementation

Comprehensive

• Conducted an all-hazards risk assessment, addressing threats from crime, cyberattacks, and natural disasters.
• Worked with stakeholders to develop organization-wide policies to ensure every campus followed best practices.

Layered

• Helped standardize access control procedures, implemented visible deterrence measures, upgraded surveillance technology, and delivered targeted staff training.
•  Advised on the creation of multiple barriers through the Forms of Protection: Detect, Deter, Delay, Respond at every site.

Redundant

• Recommended the installation of backup communication and power systems at each location.
• Trained multiple staff members per site to ensure coverage during absences or emergencies.

Integrated

• Helped establish formal relationships with local first responders, integrating them into drills and emergency planning. 
• Supported the management of program alignment and information sharing across all sites.

Enduring

• Assisted in establishing ongoing training programs, regular tabletop and walkthrough drills, and a continuous review process to adapt policies as threats evolve.

Results: Measurable Impact on Organizational Security

• Reduction in security incidents: Standardized procedures and ongoing training lead to a measurable drop in both physical and cyber incidents across organizations.
• Improved staff confidence and preparedness: Personnel that are trained and prepared report greater confidence in managing stressful situations and coordinating with emergency services.
• Enhanced resilience: Redundant systems and integrated planning ensured continued operations during emergencies, while enduring policies kept the program relevant as risks changed.

Why Security Consultant’s Expertise Matters

Choosing security consultants with breadth and depth of knowledge offers unique advantages:

• In-depth knowledge of local threats and law enforcement practices ensures solutions are regionally relevant.
• Rapid resource mobilization and streamlined coordination with local agencies support faster, more effective responses to incidents.
• Commitment to the local community fosters trust and long-term partnership, critical for enduring security success.

For Pittsburgh, in particular, a robust cybersecurity ecosystem-with more than 40 firms and 2,000 professionals-makes it a regional leader in both physical and cyber protection.  

Best Practices for Organizations Seeking Security Consulting Services

• Conduct regular, all-hazards risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize improvements. 
• Implement layered, redundant, and integrated security measures for comprehensive protection.
• Invest in enduring solutions such as ongoing training, policy review, and adaptive planning are essential for long-term resilience.
• Engage local experts for professional consulting services to provide if youryou organization has a need for effective, tailored solutions.

Building Resilience Through Principle-Driven Security Consulting

This case study detailed above demonstrates that tailored consulting can generate measurable improvements for organizations with security-related vulnerabilities. From conducting all-hazards risk assessments and standardizing access controls to building enduring partnerships with first responders, a principle-driven strategy addresses vulnerabilities at every level and across every site.

For organizations seeking to strengthen their security posture, working with a consulting partner who understands local risks and brings deep expertise is essential. At Convoy Group, we specialize in evaluating, designing, and implementing security programs that reflect these best practices, offering custom solutions for complex environments. Our approach ensures your organization is not only protected today, but prepared to adapt and thrive as new challenges emerge.

If your organization is considering the next steps toward a more robust, principle-driven security program, exploring insights from experienced consultants can provide valuable perspective and practical guidance tailored to your unique needs. Staying connected to trusted experts and industry resources ensures your approach remains both informed and adaptable as the threat landscape evolves.