After a sit down with Paul Mason, Founder and Director of internationally acclaimed Redline Assured Security, it's abundantly clear that the answers to the questions above are a firm ‘yes’ and an even more resounding ‘no’. In what is a stark reminder that complacency is not an option in today’s unpredictable threat landscape, here Paul shares insights on who is most at risk from groups like ISIS-K (IS-K), how intelligence services are working tirelessly to prevent attacks, and what the event industry can do to stay one step ahead.
How has the threat of terrorism evolved over the past 5 years?
"Terrorist groups used to be far more analogue - relying on centralised networks, face-to-face recruitment, and less sophisticated communication channels. However, over the past five years, this has shifted dramatically, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While traditional operations were hampered by lockdowns, travel restrictions, and increased border controls, terrorist groups like IS-K effectively entered the technological revolution of terrorism, leveraging and exploiting online platforms more efficiently than ever. The pandemic was the perfect storm for this shift, with isolated, frustrated, vulnerable, and economically disadvantaged individuals becoming prime targets."
"Through the use of encrypted messaging apps and slick, targeted online propaganda, groups like IS-K continue to recruit and radicalise individuals worldwide. This decentralised, tech-driven approach not only makes monitoring activity and predicting attacks more challenging, but it also makes individuals harder to identify and groups near impossible to dismantle. The sobering reality is that terrorism today thrives not just in physical territories but in the digital fabric of society – so it's no surprise that the pandemic's long-term effects remain a major concern for global security."
Are the intelligence services helping to prevent attacks?
"Global intelligence organisations face an uphill battle. This isn’t a threat that can be “policed” in the same way it once was, the digital landscape has changed that. With just a few clicks, anyone can access extremist material or even step-by-step instructions for creating deadly weapons using commodities bought over the counter. Effectively, the internet has become both a recruitment tool and a blueprint for terror. It’s a constant, overwhelming stream of information, making it near impossible to fully control and forcing security services to operate in an even more complex battlefield."
"Yet, intelligence services are rising to the challenge. Advanced surveillance technologies and cybersecurity initiatives are being deployed to monitor extremist activity, identify potential connections, and shut down propaganda channels. International collaboration has become indispensable, with intelligence-sharing and joint operations helping to thwart multiple planned IS-K attacks in the UK and across Europe in 2024 alone. Undercover operations are also playing a critical role, while strengthened community engagement schemes are identifying and supporting those at risk of radicalisation. Staying ahead of this evolving threat demands constant vigilance, innovation, cooperation, raised awareness, and an unrelenting commitment to security training and preparedness."
Who, or what, is most at risk of attacks from groups like IS-K?
"The hard truth is that no public spaces are safe from the threat posed by groups like IS-K. The modern terrorist mindset isn’t about targeting high-profile spots or chasing notoriety – it's unpredictable, goal-orientated, and solely focused on creating fear and chaos. So all public spaces, from concert venues to sporting events and shopping centres to community gatherings, are at risk because they offer opportunities for mass casualties, significant disruption, and widespread fear."
"Lone-wolf attacks pose the most immediate threat to the UK and Europe. These radicalised individuals act independently, often with minimal planning and few or no interceptable ties to larger networks. This makes their attacks incredibly hard to predict and prevent. With such threats potentially imminent, the greatest concern is that many organisations still have a ‘why would they target us?’ mindset and are failing to prepare. Frankly, the cost of this could be catastrophic."
Would you say the event industry is adequately prepared?
"Not as well as it could be in some instances, and not as widespread as it should elsewhere. Sadly, gone are the days where security could be for show or for making the public feel safe. Today, it needs to be ready to act when it matters most. Many organisations, even those with seemingly ample security, are dangerously exposed. So, the first thing they must be more vigilant of is the threat itself. The second is accepting their vulnerability to lone-wolf attacks. We hear time and time again from organisations that their operation is secure, and then our quality assurance activities prove the opposite. The core issue is training. It’s often incomplete, stopping at threat identification rather than preparing staff for how to act on them. For instance, security personnel may know how to perform a body search or spot suspicious behaviour, but not what to do next. As tragically seen in the Manchester Arena bombing, lacking the training to escalate appropriately can be truly devastating."
"Organisations also need to remove the safety blanket of having a sophisticated multi-layer system and understand that even they fail when poorly operated. Without a correctly trained individual, the only purpose these systems serve is in post-incident investigations. Modern threats also include weapons that can’t be detected by dogs or trace equipment, relying instead on human vigilance, so personnel must be fully prepared. It’s the only way to truly protect the public."
When it comes to preparedness, what can be done?
"The best security solution doesn’t mean investing in the most expensive multi-layered option out there – it’s about finding what works and then ensuring that solution continues to be operated correctly. Effectiveness starts with understanding the threat and identifying your existing vulnerabilities. At Redline, we specialise in uncovering vulnerabilities through covert, overt, and penetration testing, as well as comprehensive audits. These processes expose gaps in procedures and systems, giving you the clarity you need to strengthen your defences."
"The next step towards preparedness is robust, targeted training to close those gaps. Redline’s training is industry-leading and delivered by highly skilled instructors with a wealth of experience. It isn’t surface-level preparation – it's rigorous, hands-on, and deeply practical. For the event industry, Behaviour Detection, Threat Image Recognition (TIRT), and Body & Bag Search Training are essential, and our courses thoroughly equip personnel with the knowledge and confidence to act decisively when it matters most."
"Once updated security solutions are in place, our team will also continue to review and test your processes on an ongoing basis, giving clients the peace of mind that they remain prepared should the unthinkable ever become a reality. It’s this relentless commitment to vigilance and the reassurance this affords our clients that has earned us the trust of event organisers, governments, critical national infrastructure, corporate organisations, and aviation providers worldwide."
Figen Murray OBE comment
Figen Murray OBE, is the driving force behind Martyn’s Law, a legislation which will require venues with a capacity of 100+ to improve security against the threat of terrorism. Figen’s son, Martyn Hett was tragically one of the 22 people killed in the devastating Manchester Arena terrorist attack. Figen comments:
"There is a demonstrable and enduring threat from terrorism in the UK from many different ideologies, and among some people who do not even understand why they are angry. As a society we need to be better prepared to stop those threats and deal with the consequences of when they turn into attacks. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, called Martyn's Law after my son who was murdered at the Manchester Arena in 2017, proposes that the sorts of premises where we all commune should take measures, and implement procedures, to keep their users safe. I am optimistic that this bill will become an act of parliament in spring next year"