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What a Physical Security Risk Assessment Actually Is: And What It Isn't
A physical security risk assessment should leave you with three things. A clear understanding of your actual risk environment, not a generic description of security threats in general, but a specific, documented analysis of what threatens your organization and where you're most exposed. A prioritized set of recommendations that are proportional to that risk and tied to your operational and financial reality. And a baseline you can measure against over time.

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Aug 104 min read


Why Your Cannabis Security Program Needs More Than a One-Time Approval
Is your security program just a snapshot? Most cannabis operators believe their security program was evaluated and approved once, at licensing, and that's the end of the story. It isn't, and treating it that way is one of the most common and most expensive misunderstandings in the industry. Here's the part that catches operators off guard: the pre-opening inspection checks whether your facility matches what your application said you'd build. After that single checkpoint, almo

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Jun 234 min read


Is Your Cannabis Security Program an Asset or a Liability at the Transaction Table?
Security program deficiencies are costing cannabis operators at the acquisition table. Learn what acquirers evaluate and what to fix before entering any process.

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Jun 12 min read


Cannabis Security in the Reclassification Era: What the Industry Must Build Now
Cannabis Regulatory Compliance during the Reclassification Era.
Federal reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III is the most significant regulatory development in the industry's history. What it has generated far less of is a clear-eyed conversation about what it means for security programs: what changes, what does not, and what operators should be doing right now.

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
May 215 min read


The True Cost of Outsourced Security Leadership Costs
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, security leadership is more critical than ever. Organizations face increasing threats that require not only robust defenses but also strategic oversight to manage risks effectively. For many small to mid-size companies and businesses with complex tech environments, hiring a full-time Chief Security Officer (CSO) can be prohibitively expensive. This has led to a growing trend: outsourcing security leadership. However, understandin

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Mar 94 min read


Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays from ICIP LLC.

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Dec 22, 20251 min read


From My Perspective: What I Told 9NEWS About the CU Boulder "Swatting" Event
As a security professional and father with children in college, the swatting event at CU Boulder was a major concern for me. When 9NEWS...

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Aug 27, 20252 min read


ICIP & CFE Consulting Group announce Strategic Partnership
ICIP LLC and CFE Consulting Group Announce Strategic Partnership to Provide Turnkey Consulting and Operations to the Cannabis and Hemp...

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Feb 17, 20252 min read


Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays Holiday Greetings from ICIP LLC As the year comes to a close, all of us at ICIP LLC want to take a moment to reflect on...

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Dec 23, 20242 min read


Rescheduling Cannabis to Schedule III: Security and Compliance Implications for Cannabis License Holders
Rescheduling Cannabis to Schedule III: Security and Compliance Implications for Cannabis License Holders The potential rescheduling of...

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Dec 3, 20244 min read


Stop the Rip and Replace Cycle: Keeping Your Security Tech Up-to-Date
In the ever-evolving world of security, it's tempting to fall into the "rip and replace" cycle. Good news: you can keep your security tech.

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Nov 11, 20242 min read


Protecting Your Business During Social Unrest
Protecting Your Business During Social Unrest: A Guide to Security Posture Enhancement

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Oct 14, 20242 min read


Protecting Your Business from Deepfakes & Disinformation
Protecting Your Business from Deepfakes & Disinformation

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Oct 9, 20242 min read


The Importance of Including Cybersecurity in the Overall Security Program
In today’s hyper-connected world, “security” has expanded beyond the physical realm. The growing dependency on digital technologies in...

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Sep 16, 20244 min read


General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
While the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union regulation, its impact extends beyond the EU borders, including...

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Aug 19, 20243 min read


The value of Annual Security Audits
The Value of Annual Security Audits: Strengthening Foundations for a Secure Future

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Aug 12, 20243 min read


Evolution of Security Professionals
The Evolution of Security Professionals: Adapting to New Technologies and Threats

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Aug 5, 20243 min read


Security in the Cannabis Industry
Challenges and Best Practices for Security in the Cannabis Industry

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Jul 29, 20243 min read


Separating Security Design from Build
The Importance of Separating the Design Process from the Build Process in Security Projects When planning and implementing a security...

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Jul 22, 20243 min read


The Value of Professional Certifications in Security: Are They Worth It?
The Value of Professional Certifications in Security: Are They Worth It?

Shawn F. Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Jul 15, 20242 min read
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