Slipping through security

Those in the GCC surely will remember February’s internet blackout. Employees were sent home from work, as communication within the region grinded to a halt. The official explanation? Korean and Iraqi registered ships dropped anchor. Right on top of the cable! Accidentally, of course. Can anyone tell me the

chances of that? It couldn’t be very high, or coincidental for that matter. Both ships have since been detained, though the Korean ship was just recently released after posting US$60,000 for repairs to the cable.

Between you and me, I bet the Somali pirates had something to do with it. I don’t know if they have submarines on those ‘motherships’ but it wouldn’t surprise me. Those guys are pretty serious, and from what I understand they’re not a big fan of blogs. GPS and satellite phones they’re all for, but Facebook doesn’t serve in their best interest. After all, they’re covert pirates who operate in the dead of night, plundering ships and cutting internet cables, a little anonymity can go a long way. But I digress.

As this month’s LOG issue retains an emphasis on security, I’m reminded of an incident that took place last week at the annual WTA Techno-Mart convention. With major logistics players like JAFZA and Dubai World in attendance, I was eager to see what technological advancements they had planned. I arrived just as the event was starting and made my way to the front booth. The attractive young lady working the forum gate handed me my press credentials, as well as a new leather laptop bag adorned with the Techno-Mart logo, and pointed me to the assembly door. Standing at the entry was a security guard, smiling, greeting people as they came in. As I approached, his mood quickly changed. Gone was his welcoming demeanour and friendly grin. I immediately took notice and wondered what could be wrong. Was I blacklisted? Did I look like a security threat? Impossible, as I was already scheduled to meet Fayez Maarrawi of Dubai Trade to discuss their new platform. Turns out my name badge was unintentionally facing the opposite direction. Carrying my new laptop bag (as well as the one I came with) and cup of coffee, my pass must have inadvertently flipped over. Made no difference to him, as he obviously thought I was trying to pull a fast one, some kid off the street trying to meander his way in.

Needless to say, the potential security breach quickly resolved itself when I put down my bags and flipped over my credentials. For the next two days of the conference, as I came and went through the same doors, spotting the same guard, I intentionally showed the blank side to him and flashed a scheming smile. Without exception I was required to flip it over every time. But I’ll have to say, though the ship they ran was a tight one, the conference was indeed secure.