A proactive approach to safety and security.
Secure Environment Consultants provides critical threat monitoring services for individuals and organizations. These include real-time social media monitoring and targeted social media research, two essential services that can enhance your overall security program and support the prevention of violence. In addition, SEC now offers SEC ClearScan™, a service that allows our team to review event registrants, using open-source intelligence tools, to identify potential risks before they arrive on-site.
What is targeted social media research?
Targeted social media research is the open-source research of publicly available information conducted ONLY after an individual has exhibited threatening behavior
SEC recognizes privacy concerns and we do not monitor any person’s internet activity on a 24/7 basis.
When we conduct targeted social media research, we are looking for evidence of any intentionally or unintentionally revealed feelings, thoughts, or hints of intent to commit harm. We are also looking for any evidence of risk factors that may contribute to the credibility of the threat (social stressors or victimization, for example.)
What is active social media monitoring?
Active social media monitoring involves tracking social media platforms for specific keywords and hashtags to gather information in real-time
These platforms can include Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, or any other publicly shared platforms.
Incorporating social media monitoring into your organization’s security strategy can significantly enhance your ability to detect and respond to threats before they escalate into serious incidents. As part of a multi-layered comprehensive security plan, this tool empowers workplaces and schools to create the safest environment possible.
Why do we offer both services?
The 2023 U.S. Secret Service report states that approximately two-thirds of attackers engaged in threatening or concerning communications—both online and offline—before their attacks. This underscores the importance of proactive strategies like Social Media Monitoring for identifying and mitigating potential threats.
Targeted social media research supports Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams by providing valuable insight after a concern has been reported. While many threats are ultimately deemed not credible, each one must be thoroughly and promptly investigated. An individual’s public online activity can reveal interests, behaviors, plans, or emotional states that may not be communicated in person—offering critical context that might otherwise go unseen. Read below on the unique differences and why SEC has enhanced our suite of services.
Is it necessary?
While social media monitoring is a proactive, ongoing service designed to protect an organization – it’s people, property, and greater community- by identifying potential risks early, targeted social media research is a reactive, focused investigation triggered by specific concerning behavior.
Both approaches respect privacy by limiting research to publicly available data but serve different purposes in a comprehensive security strategy. Together, they form a balanced approach to managing online risks, blending prevention with targeted intervention when necessary.
Identify potential threats and behaviors before they escalate.
SEC believes that taking a proactive approach to safety and security are key for any organization. Having added tools and resources available for when a threat is identified can also support your behavioral threat assessment teams. Read below on our new SEC ClearScan™ technology and how you can get started today.
What is SEC ClearScan™?
SEC ClearScan™ is a proactive screening service designed to help organizations identify potential risks before they arrive at your doorstep. Using advanced open-source intelligence tools, our team conducts large-scale reviews of participant, employee, or volunteer names across public records, social media, and message boards. Each result is analyzed and categorized by SEC’s threat intelligence experts, providing clear, actionable insight—not just data.
Ideal for events, hiring processes, or large gatherings, SEC ClearScan™ helps organizations make informed decisions and prevent potential disruptions before they occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of each service?
Social media monitoring is a proactive approach aimed at identifying potential threats or concerning behaviors in real-time before they escalate.
Targeted social media research is a reactive approach, conducted only after an individual has exhibited threatening/concerning behavior. It seeks to gather evidence to assess the credibility and context of a specific threat.
What is the timing of each service?
Social media monitoring operates continuously to detect early warning signs, providing organizations with a preventive layer of protection.
Targeted social media research is conducted only after an incident or concerning behavior arises, often as part of a threat assessment process.
What is the scope of each service?
Social media monitoring is broad in scope, scanning public online activity within defined parameters (e.g., mentions of the organization’s name, keywords related to violence, cyberbullying, or mental health concerns).
Targeted social media research is narrow and specific, focused solely on the online activity of an identified individual (e.g., a student making threats) to understand intent, motivation, or risk factors.
How would you describe the privacy considerations between these services?
Social media monitoring is designed to respect privacy by monitoring only publicly available data without targeting specific individuals unless flagged by system criteria. It is focused on the overall safety and security landscape of the organization, rather than personal surveillance.
Targeted social media research is limited to publicly available information but focuses on a specific individual following concerning behavior. This targeted approach requires clear justification, ensuring it is aligned with privacy and legal standards.
What are they tools and techniques used for each service?
Social media monitoring uses automated systems and algorithms to scan for keywords, hashtags, or behaviors in real-time. Alerts and reports are created for further review.
Targeted social media research involves manual investigation, analyzing specific posts, images, or interactions for deeper insights into an individual’s state of mind, intent, or circumstances.
Describe the differences in application between the two services.
Social media monitoring is ideal for identifying early warning signs of risks and alerting school staff to intervene early.
Targeted social media research is essential for threat assessment and decision-making after an incident or alarming behavior has been observed, helping schools determine the appropriate response.
What risk factors are analyzed in each service?
Social media monitoring flags general patterns or indicators of risk across the community but does not evaluate individual risk factors in depth, where as targeted social media research delves into an individual’s posts for specific risk factors. These could include evidence of social stressors, victimization, or grievances, to assess the credibility and context of the threat.
How would you integrate these services into security plans?
Social media monitoring should be part of an organization’s overall preventative strategy, providing a broad safety net to reduce risks before they materialize.
Targeted social media research should be a component of a reactive threat assessment protocol, activated in response to a specific concern.
Is there a difference in pricing?
Unlike most active social media monitoring services, SEC provides you with an annual tiered pricing model and a dedicated data analyst who will help interpret the data for your teams.
Targeted social media research includes an annual retainer fee and per report fee, meaning your organization only pays an additional fee when a threat has been identified.