EMERGING THREAT FROM “SHUT THE SYSTEM”

A new climate activist group, Shut the System, has emerged as a covert and more radical offshoot of Just Stop Oil. Just days ago, they launched a call for a “Summer of Sabotage”, urging individuals to take direct action against firms underwriting or financing fossil fuel expansion – running through to 30th September.

Their recent activities, including the sabotage of fibre-optic infrastructure at major insurance firms, signal a shift toward targeted, disruptive tactics designed to pressure companies into cutting fossil fuel ties.

Their tactics:
• Operatives disguise themselves as engineers to gain access to corporate premises
• Physical sabotage of communications infrastructure (e.g. cutting fibre-optic cables)
• Previous actions include vandalism (e.g. red paint, smashed windows)
• Targets are typically firms underwriting or financing fossil fuel expansion

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Security implications for corporate companies:

  • Disruption of internet and operational systems
  • Reputational damage from activist-led media campaigns
  • Increased risk to physical assets and staff safety

Recommended countermeasures:

  • Credential verification: Verify the presence of all contractors and new staff. If uncertain, escort all contractors or refuse entry until credentials are verified.
  • Enhance surveillance: Ensure access control systems are fully operational and CCTV is monitored to identify suspicious individuals, especially around sensitive areas.
  • Secure the building: Ensure that security is conducting regular checks to verify the integrity of the building, focusing on high-risk areas that activists may target, like communications rooms.
  • Crisis response planning: Develop protocols for activist disruption, including media handling and legal response.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Transparently communicate ESG commitments to reduce activist targeting.
  • Security culture: Ensure there is a culture within the business of challenge. Encourage staff to challenge suspicious people or activity or report to security.

Activist threats are evolving. Proactive security and reputational risk management are now essential components of corporate resilience.

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