The attack cycle is not considered to be a complex process for those operating in the shadows and it applies to all types of attacks. The cycle entails searching for a vulnerable target, conducting intelligence collection and analysis, deploying assets, executing the attack, exploiting the attack's results, and then beginning the cycle anew.

As painful as it might be to acknowledge, 2020 proved to be a significant year for those engaged in risk mitigation as a profession. Never before has there been a more opportune time to glean real-world lessons on what not to do in times of crisis. From mishandling a pandemic response to mismanaging protests and even tarnishing one's reputation to the point of business downfall – the year offered a wealth of lessons.

In recent months, my consultancy, Morton Executive Decisions, has been actively involved in Ukraine, conducting long-term needs assessments, facilitating refugee evacuations, providing logistical support for humanitarian aid, and delivering tailored training programs for aid workers.