Most security failures don’t occur because the warning signs were invisible – they occur because no one was actively looking for them
This short exercise puts you in the position of a security operative reviewing live CCTV footage from four everyday locations, a train station, a shopping centre, an event entrance and a Christmas market. In each scene, a small number of people or items show genuine, recognised indicators of hostile reconnaissance and pre-attack planning. The rest are just going about their day. Although counter‑terrorism is a serious area, this exercise is intentionally simple and accessible, giving you a comfortable way to engage with the essentials.
You’ll have 25 seconds per scene. Flag anything you believe is a potential security issue, whether that’s a person or an item left unattended, then see what you caught, what you missed, and why it mattered.
Threat Awareness ExerciseFour public settings. In each one, a small number of people or items are showing genuine warning signs, the kind of behaviour trained observers are taught to notice. The rest are just going about their day. Flag the right ones before the clock runs out.
4 scenes, 25 seconds each. Click anything showing a potential security issue, whether that's a person or an item.
Some are decoys. Flagging the wrong one costs you points, just like in a real environment.
At the end, see exactly what you spotted, what you missed, and why it mattered.
Message
Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent in April 2025, and the government’s statutory guidance is now published. Full enforcement is expected in spring 2027, which means organisations responsible for public venues are currently in the preparation window, not a waiting period. Standard tier penalties for non-compliance run up to £10,000, and enhanced tier penalties can reach £18 million or 5% of global turnover, whichever is greater.
The skill this exercise tests, reading behaviour and spotting deviations from the everyday, is exactly what Martyn’s Law requires venues to build into their people and their procedures. It’s not about being suspicious of everyone. It’s about knowing what genuinely warrants a second look.
If this exercise highlighted a gap, that gap is closable. Ubique Risk Management delivers two accredited courses built around exactly this skill set:
An introductory qualification for anyone working in a public-facing role, covering the fundamentals of threat recognition, protective security measures, and how to respond when something doesn’t add up.
A more advanced qualification for those with direct responsibility for security planning, protective measures, and Martyn’s Law compliance within their organisation.
