Security Magazine logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • MANAGEMENT
  • PHYSICAL
  • CYBER
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • SECTORS
  • EVENTS
  • MEDIA
  • MORE
  • EMAG
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Security Newswire
  • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
  • Leadership Management
  • Enterprise Services
  • Security Education & Training
  • Logical Security
  • Security & Business Resilience
  • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
  • Access Management
  • Fire & Life Safety
  • Identity Management
  • Physical Security
  • Video Surveillance
  • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
  • Cybersecurity News
  • More
  • COLUMNS
  • Cyber Tactics
  • Leadership & Management
  • Security Talk
  • Career Intelligence
  • Leader to Leader
  • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • Annual Guarding Report
  • Most Influential People in Security
  • The Security Benchmark Report
  • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
  • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
  • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
  • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
  • Banking/Finance/Insurance
  • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
  • Education: K-12
  • Education: University
  • Government: Federal, State and Local
  • Hospitality & Casinos
  • Hospitals & Medical Centers
  • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
  • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
  • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
  • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
  • Industry Events
  • Webinars
  • Solutions by Sector
  • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
  • Videos
  • Podcasts
  • Polls
  • Photo Galleries
  • Videos
  • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
  • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
  • MORE
  • Call for Entries
  • Classifieds & Job Listings
  • Continuing Education
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsor Insights
  • Store
  • White Papers
  • EMAG
  • eMagazine
  • This Month's Content
  • Advertise
Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
PhysicalSecurity NewswireSecurity Leadership and ManagementSecurity & Business Resilience

Organizations must prepare for these 2021 security risks now, or may fail to make it in a post-COVID world

By Maggie Shein
Here are the top political and security risks for 2021 that your organization needs to take prepare for
January 12, 2021

According to global risk consultancy Control Risks’ annual forecast of political and security risks to help businesses prepare for the challenges next year will bring, some of the most important ongoing threats into this year include COVID-19, U.S.-China relationship, geopolitics, digital acceleration and missed opportunities to plan for uncertainty.

1. A World with Long COVID

According to the 2021 RiskMap Report, 2021 will be a year of uneven vaccine rollouts and uneven recovery. In addition, the report says, if 2021 does not mark the end of the pandemic, it will be the year that determines what is left when the worst is over.

Jonathan Wood, Director of Global Risk Analysis at Control Risks based in Washington, D.C. tells Security that the most significant downside risk to businesses in 2021 is that vaccinations will disappoint. “Assumptions and forecasts of rapid economic recovery hinge on vaccine optimism,” he says. “Yet, although vaccine trial results continue to be very promising, the rollout of vaccine in many countries has been slow and fragmented. Only a handful of wealthy countries have so far procured or reserved enough doses to cover their populations.”

He adds that vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine sentiments are challenges in some countries. “Vaccine could remain more scarce than anticipated due to unanticipated production or logistics challenges, as well as geopolitical competition for doses. The COVAX initiative, wholly relied upon by many developing countries, has limited international support and – even if successful – will provide only limited coverage. It also remains somewhat unclear how long immunity lasts,” he says.

For businesses, Wood says, surviving COVID-19 in 2021 means two things: managing the continued threat of disruptive outbreaks and being prepared to take advantage of “new normal” opportunities as restrictions are relaxed and economic activity resumes. “We expect the recovery in 2021 to be highly fragmented: companies will need to understand and monitor why and when different places will reach and sustain a new normal, whether due to inoculation or effective public health interventions. They will need to map the impacts of a fragmented recovery on domestic and cross-border supply chains. They will need to plan protocols for returning employees to work and travel safely. All of this will occur under the twin microscopes of government oversight and activist scrutiny,” he says.

2. U.S.-China: stabilization without normalization

Another key risk that will affect organizations around the globe in 2021, is U.S.-China relations. While, the new U.S. Biden administration will see some of the bombast come out of the U.S.-China relationship, the report says that the two countries will keep clashing on current issues.

What organizations in the private sector could be most affected by relations going South? “Advanced technology sectors will continue to be most directly exposed to U.S.-China strategic competition, investment restrictions, and trade measures. These include information and communications technology (ICT) (including 5G, semiconductors, quantum computing, AI, and anything involving personal data), biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, defense and aerospace technologies, energy, and engineering materials,” Wood says. “Both the U.S. and China view these sectors as strategic and often national security sensitive and they are potentially exposed to a further deterioration in relations.”

Beyond technology, Wood says U.S. companies banking on an increased or restored market access in China, including oil and gas, agriculture and financial services, will continue to be potential targets of retaliation in the event that relations deteriorate.

Two other shifts are worth noting in this regard, according to Wood. “As a result of COVID-19, the U.S. in 2021 is likely to push to domesticate medical device and pharmaceutical supply chains to reduce dependence on China. President-elect Joe Biden also plans to incentivize ‘green technology’ investments and reshoring manufacturing, using a combination of trade and fiscal policy,” he says.

3. Go green or go bust

As the effects of climate change worsen, the geopolitics are changing as multiple nations line up behind carbon neutral and net zero pledges. Investment and trade policies are linking to climate change, according to the report and intransigence will erode competitiveness and shrink export markets.

Regarding climate change, Wood says, countries that fall behind the curve on policy, targets and incentives will lose out on green investment and innovation, face tensions and potentially tariffs with trade partners, and face an even sharper economic and energy transition in the future.

“Enterprises in these countries may lack clear policy and regulatory signals from government to support strategic investments (increasing risk of stranded assets) and face divergence between their domestic and international ethical, social and compliance obligations,” he says. “Many companies will take voluntary action to meet industry or global standards around performance targets and reporting, but those that do not are likely to face continued pressure from investors, activists, customers and suppliers. They may lose out on government procurement or supply contracts that increasingly have embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance criteria.”

More broadly, in terms of geopolitics, Wood says, risk managers and organizations must consider geopolitical risks in their business strategies, risk assessments and compliance activities. “Geopolitical competition is likely to intensify in 2021 in several regions, playing out in terms of sanctions, trade measures, investment restrictions and security threats,” he says.

4. Digital acceleration hits emerging threats

Another risk that the 2021 RiskMap Report details is the effect of the quickening pace of tech adoption. While it brings great benefits to people and its organizations, the exposure that comes with connectivity is a risk.

This acceleration will pose two major threats in 2021, according to Control Risks: Digital nationalism will see regulatory risks soar and cyber threat actors will punish those who rush adoption at the expense of security and resilience.

5. Missing the rebound

The report says that organizations need to now shift from crisis response to embracing uncertainty, or risk making it through to a post-COVID-19 world. “Those businesses that refuse to embrace risk in 2021 are in danger of failing to capitalize on the post-COVID recovery,” the report states.

KEYWORDS: enterprise enterprise resilience enterprise security risk analysis risk appetite risk management

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Maggie shein

Maggie Shein was Editor in Chief at Security magazine. She has been writing, editing and creating content for the security industry since 2004. She has an experienced background in publishing, communications, content creation and management. Within her role at Security, Maggie handled the overall direction of the brand, organized and executed the annual conference, facilitated Solutions by Sector webinars, researched and wrote exclusive cover stories, managed social media, and authored the monthly Security Talk column. She has both an undergraduate degree and master's degree in journalism.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024 award...
    Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    By: Security Staff
  • cyber brain

    The intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable cybersecurity...
    Cybersecurity
    By: Pam Nigro
  • artificial intelligence AI graphic

    Assessing the pros and cons of AI for cybersecurity

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant implications...
    Technologies & Solutions
    By: Charles Denyer
Manage My Account
  • Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

Middle East Escalation, Humanitarian Law and Disinformation – Episode 25

Middle East Escalation, Humanitarian Law and Disinformation – Episode 25

Security’s Top 5 – 2024 Year in Review

Security’s Top 5 – 2024 Year in Review

The Money Laundering Machine: Inside the global crime epidemic - Episode 24

The Money Laundering Machine: Inside the global crime epidemic - Episode 24

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Sureview screen
    Sponsored bySureView Systems

    The Evolution of Automation in the Command Center

  • Crisis Response Team
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Automate or Fall Behind – Crisis Response at the Speed of Risk

  • Perimeter security
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Why Property Security is the New Competitive Advantage

Popular Stories

Rendered computer with keyboard

16B Login Credentials Exposed in World’s Largest Data Breach

Verizon on phone screen

61M Records Listed for Sale Online, Allegedly Belong to Verizon

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

blurry multicolored text on black screen

PowerSchool Education Technology Company Announces Data Breach

Half closed laptop

Sudo Vulnerability Discovered, May Exposes Linux Systems

Events

August 7, 2025

Threats to the Energy Sector: Implications for Corporate and National Security

The energy sector has found itself in the crosshairs of virtually every bad actor on the global stage.

August 27, 2025

Risk Mitigation as a Competitive Edge

In today’s volatile environment, a robust risk management strategy isn’t just a requirement—it’s a foundation for organizational resilience. From cyber threats to climate disruptions, the ability to anticipate, withstand, and adapt to disruption is becoming a hallmark of industry leaders.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Celebrate these women in the security industry for International Women's Day and learn what drew them into the security industry

    Celebrate these Security Leaders for International Women's Day!

    See More
  • Chaney

    Achieving to make a difference

    See More
  • Sec Feat

    Critical infrastructure: The critical industry everyone must protect

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • security culture.webp

    Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!