Broder: Risk Analysis and the Security Survey, 4th Edition - Case Studies with Questions and Answers

Case Studies with Questions and Answers

Chapter 14: Response Planning

One of your switchboard operators comes to you and says that she just received a call on an outside line by someone who sounded very nervous and very young who said "I have placed a destructive device behind the Building A Northwest Chlorine tank. It is in a brown briefcase and is equipped with a motion detector that will cause a detonation if tries to move it. It is hidden so you can't see it from the outside. Only I have the capability to disable it. You will deliver $1 Million to the corner of First and Vine Streets within the next 6 hours. You need to get people out of the area immediately. If I see any cops, I will cause it to explode." The receptionist said that she started to ask the questions on her bomb threat questionnaire, but the caller said that he "would rather not answer them." She also said that she could hear a lot of noise in the background that could have been a party, but was not sure. The call was received just before quitting time and the company is not involved in any controversial products or labor disputes. You are in the process or replacing your contract guard force because of their failure to enforce access controls.

Questions

You need to decide if the threat is credible and to justify your decision.

Correct Answer

The threat is credible. The fact that the caller had knowledge of the layout of the facility and its processes, took the time to describe the device, used terminology that indicates a familiarity with bomb making, and has a motivation, indicate credibility. Additionally, most credible bombers will remain on the call for a relatively longer time (there is a lot of detail in the message) to ensure their message is understood. The caller gave the exact location of the device and it was placed at a time that would minimize injuries (quitting time) if detonated. Poor access control allows for the possibility of someone entering the facility to place the device. There also seems to be some thought process in allowing time to gather the money (although practically speaking, not enough time).

The fact that the caller seemed young is inconclusive and that there may have been a party going on at the source of the call is also immaterial since the receptionist did not indicate that the caller seemed jovial or intoxicated.