CBRN Security, Human Factor, and the New Focus on Security Culture

Abstract

Security analysts worldwide are increasingly concerned that terrorist groups, in pursuit of more stupefying shows of strength and resolve, might seek access to CBRN materials. Of these, nuclear (N) materials, as a rule, are far better protected than the others. Yet, much of the concern about materials security revolves around nuclear rather than radiological (R), chemical (C) or biological (B). In part, this benign neglect of dangers from B, R, and N materials stems from the fact that we are surrounded by them in their civilian/industrial forms, and are comfortable and familiar with them in everyday life.