FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What services does Spearfish Security provide?
Spearfish Security specialises in security risk management, offering services such as threat assessments, crisis planning, secure travel advice, and ongoing operational support in high-risk environments.
In which regions does Spearfish operate?
Spearfish operates globally, with a strong focus on high-risk regions across Sub Sahran African, South East Asia and Ukraine, including active projects in countries like Ukraine, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
What industries or sectors does Spearfish specialize in?
Spearfish supports industries such as international development, non-profits, oil and gas, construction, and multinational corporations, particularly those operating in complex and high-risk environments.
How does Spearfish support organisations in high-risk regions?
Spearfish provides tailored risk assessments, security plans, and on-the-ground operational support, ensuring teams can operate safely and effectively while minimising disruptions.
What sets Spearfish apart from other security risk management companies?
Spearfish combines global expertise with a local presence, focusing on customized solutions. Our SONAR platform enhances client operations by streamlining risk assessments, tasking, and operational oversight.
Can Spearfish help with budgeting and bid writing for security projects?
Yes, Spearfish has significant experience supporting organizations with budgeting and bid writing from a security perspective, particularly for international tenders in development or corporate sectors.
How does Spearfish support organisations applying for international tenders?
Spearfish assists by identifying security requirements, crafting realistic budgets, and providing expert insights into risk mitigation strategies to strengthen proposals.
What is Spearfish’s experience with working in conflict zones like Ukraine?
Spearfish has been active in Ukraine since 2022, establishing a permanent office in Kyiv in 2023. We support clients with in-country operations, risk management, and compliance in this challenging environment.
Does Spearfish provide in-country support or consultation for international development projects?
Yes, Spearfish offers on-the-ground consultation and ongoing support for international development projects, working closely with local partners to ensure project success.
How can clients engage Spearfish Security’s services?
Clients can reach out through our website, email, or phone to discuss their specific needs. We typically begin with an initial consultation to understand project goals and requirements.
Does Spearfish partner with local subcontractors?
Yes, Spearfish often partners with trusted local subcontractors to enhance efficiency, cultural awareness, and compliance in the regions where we operate, we regularly perform due dilligence and compliance checks with all our local contacts and suppliers
Can Spearfish assist with long-term security planning or is it only project-based?
Spearfish provides both long-term strategic planning and project-based support, tailored to the client’s needs.
What kind of reports or deliverables can clients expect?
Clients receive detailed risk assessments, operational plans, and regular updates throughout the engagement. Deliverables are customized based on the project’s scope and goals.
What is the SONAR platform, and how does it work?
SONAR is Spearfish’s proprietary platform for managing security risks. It integrates tasking, monitoring, and operational oversight to support clients working in medium to high-risk regions.
What are the key functionalities of SONAR?
Key features include risk assessment tools, secure tasking, real-time monitoring, traveler tracking, and customizable reporting.
Who is SONAR designed for?
SONAR is designed for security professionals, project managers, and teams operating in high-risk environments, providing them with the tools needed to manage operations effectively.
Is SONAR customisable for different organisations and scenarios?
Yes, SONAR is highly customizable to meet the specific needs of organizations and operational contexts.
How does SONAR support decision-making in medium and high-risk areas?
SONAR provides actionable insights through real-time data, task tracking, and risk analysis, enabling informed decision-making in dynamic environments.
Can SONAR be accessed offline in remote locations?
Certain features of SONAR, such as task tracking and data updates, are accessible offline. Data syncs automatically when connectivity is restored.
How is sensitive data stored and secured within SONAR?
SONAR uses encrypted data storage and secure cloud solutions to ensure compliance with the highest data protection standards, including GDPR.
How frequently is SONAR updated, and are updates automatic?
SONAR is regularly updated to incorporate user feedback and enhance security. Updates are automatic and require minimal user intervention.
Are there user limits, or can multiple team members access SONAR simultaneously?
SONAR supports multiple users simultaneously, with role-based access controls to manage permissions.
What are the primary user roles within SONAR (e.g., Traveler, Client Manager, RSA)?
SONAR supports roles like Traveler, Client Manager, RSA (Regional Security Advisor), and Operations Manager, each with specific functionalities tailored to their needs.
How does the platform handle tasking and monitoring processes?
SONAR streamlines tasking by allowing managers to assign, track, and monitor progress in real time, ensuring operational efficiency.
Are there tutorials or guides available for new users?
Yes, comprehensive guides and video tutorials are provided, along with live training sessions during onboarding.
What is the onboarding process for new organizations using SONAR?
Onboarding will can be managed with or without in person training from Spearfish. Senior Client Managers/ Client Manger are invited to the Sonar from Spearfish but then Client Manager will invite travelers/ users to their teams themselves
Is training provided for teams adopting SONAR?
Yes, Spearfish provides tailored training sessions to ensure users can fully leverage SONAR’s capabilities.
What support is available if a user encounters technical issues?
Spearfish offers technical support via email, phone. We endevour to answer and respond to client as quickly as possible.
Does Spearfish offer consultation to help organisations optimize their use of SONAR?
Absolutely. Our experts work closely with clients to optimize their operations using SONAR, tailoring it to their specific workflows and challenges.
How does Spearfish ensure compliance with local laws and regulations in different countries?
Spearfish conducts thorough research on local regulations and partners with trusted local subcontractors to ensure full compliance.
How does SONAR ensure data privacy and security in line with GDPR or other data protection laws?
SONAR employs encrypted data storage, secure user authentication, and rigorous access controls to meet GDPR and other international data protection standards.
What risk mitigation strategies does Spearfish recommend for clients in high-risk environments?
Strategies include comprehensive threat assessments, scenario planning, secure travel protocols, and ongoing monitoring to adapt to evolving risks.
How many people are in your business?  
There are 29 employees in the business. Of those, 18 are security advisors across Nigeria, Congo, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Lebanon and Ukraine.  
Who do you work for: 
Typically, we have just over 20 clients at any one time. 
Where typically do you operate
In the last month, we have delivered training and consultancy in DRC, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Ukraine and Nigeria. 
What is an examplole of how much overwatch Sonar can produce each month
We have also provided Overwatch for 31 trips in September, which consisted of 680 travel days across 24 different projects. 
Do you offer a tracking service? 
Yes, we don’t offer GPS tracking per se, but through Sonar an app tracks people manually through check-ins between the traveller and the RSA.  
How do you provide crisis response? 
Our RSAs provide the initial reaction to an incident, such as a road traffic accident. We then use whatever resources are available to bring it to a successful conclusion. In our 15 years, we have dealt with kidnaps, shootings, earthquakes, illnesses, and many other crises, putting the client's safety above everything else.  
How do you cover countries that don’t have an RSA: 
Each RSA has regional duties; for example, Ibrahim in Nairobi covers missions to Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, etc. They know their regional countries well and can provide an excellent level of service. They travel to the regions and have a network of contacts and support in each to ensure Overwatch is as good as they were based in the country itself.  
Is this a new product: 
As of January 25, it will replace our current platform. The DOCC, which has been in use since 2021, has managed over 15,000 trip days since we created it. We developed SONAR in collaboration with Innovate UK and Southampton University to give our advisors the latest digital tools to enhance their performance and allow us to reach more people
How many users can you have on Sonar?
Sonar allows unlimited users, as each organisation can onboard members based on their specific needs and access levels.
How do you onboard people to Sonar
Users are onboarded through their organisation's Client Manager (CM) or Senior Client Manager (SCM), who ensures all relevant setup and access permissions are in place.
How devices can one user log into?
Each user can log into a maximum of two devices at any given time, allowing for both flexibility and secure access management.
What are the privacy and Security policies in place for sonar?
Sonar is fully GDPR-compliant and has comprehensive data and privacy policies, with strict measures for data protection, consent management, and cookies for secure usage.
Where are the servers held?
Sonar's servers are securely hosted in the Uk, ensuring compliance with European data protection standards.
What is Sonar's primary purpose?
Sonar is designed to enhance duty-of-care practices with a deep local RSA insight, streamline journey management, and help organisations monitor personnel safely in various operational regions
Does Sonar Support Offline Access?
Sonar offers offline functionality, allowing users to view some information even without a network connection. However, updates require an internet connection to sync data. You can also download Travel Plans and Country Assessment into PDF.
How often is Global Risk Map updated on Sonar?
The risk map is updated regularly by our consultants, reflecting real-time risk scores to keep users informed about current conditions in operational regions.
How can I update my information on Sonar?
Users can update personal information within their profile settings.
Can Sonar be used internationally?
Yes, Sonar is designed for global use and provides up-to-date country assessments across multiple countries, making it ideal for international travel and operations.
Does Sonar Support Push Notifications?
Yes, Sonar can send push notifications to keep users updated on critical events, check-in reminders, and important journey-related alerts.
How do I reset my password on Sonar?
You can reset your password through the Sonar app login screen
What devices is Sonar compatible with?
Sonar is designed to work seamlessly on Android and iOS mobile devices and tablets, as well as on desktop platforms like Windows and macOS. It also supports the majority of modern browsers for convenient access.
How often is Sonar app updated?
Updates to Sonar occur regularly as new features and improvements are developed. You'll be notified of any major updates or new functionalities added.
Does Sonar support third-party integrations?
Sonar is designed as a standalone app, so it doesn’t currently support third-party integrations to maintain optimal data security and privacy.
How does Sonar protect against unauthorised access?
Sonar employs various security protocols, including encryption and user authentication, to protect against unauthorised access and ensure data integrity.
How does Sonar protect against unauthorised access?
Yes, for security purposes, Sonar has an automatic logout feature after 30 days.
What browser versions are best for using Sonar?
Sonar is optimised for use on the latest versions of major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For the best experience, ensure your browser is up to date.