In recent history, there could be no parallel to this present time when security is worsening across the globe. Or is there any time in recent memory when twenty-five percent of all news centre on crime everywhere? The situation is so bad that with security threats rising in sophistication and scale, nations are incessantly alerting all to vigilance. While the alerts to vigilance are not denial of public safety as the very essence of governance, they affirm limits as to how far governments can go protecting people - that not even the United States of America with advanced technology or China with a huge reservoir of manpower can protect all, everywhere and every time. And the implication?For none to be victimized as a target of opportunity, all should be able to implement measures that among other objectives, detect, deter and delay criminals while law enforcement agents are awaited to respond. That is the fundamental human right of self-defence - taking your security in your own hands without taking the laws into your hands. Otherwise, any illusion that security is an exclusivity of government risks disastrous consequences. Sadly, that is the apparent trend right now with many continually falling victim to both violent and cyber crimes - a portrayal of either feigned or actual ignorance of their role in both own and national security.Worse, even as security awareness - the urgency of the moment is compelling many countries to consider security studies as part of basic education, there are neither curricula nor basic texts to guide effort in that direction. Yes; security tips are awash on mass news media but they are too fragmented for an understanding of how together, they offer protection. Again, while one cannot deny existence of books on security, that library is largely for professionals that address the needs of a select few. Yet, none can actually be safe outside threat mitigation efforts requiring 90% awareness and only 10% preparation! Or can you prepare for or against what you do not know? Hence this book has spared no effort in combating both apathy and scarcity of volumes on what actually constitutes security awareness. Also, that has abated the fear of crime that is paralyzing and counter-productive to both private and national security initiatives. For while the world is apparently in danger with crime rising to twenty-five per cent of daily news, that does not call for cowardice. Rather, all should maintain an informed perspective on crime as a life phenomenon like terminal sicknesses, accidents and disasters which with proactive contingent measures as last layer of national security architectures, none would suffer as a target of opportunity. Finally, the decisive role - 90% that awareness alone plays in the attainment of security, requires a very clear medium for making this clarion call. So, as a compass, this book is written in simple language with examples of real-life incidents, photographs, diagrams and tables appropriately used to drive home theories as necessary. Besides, the 400-page volume is laid out in seventeen chapters for easy comprehension as follows: + Security Awareness: An Imperative and The Urgency + National Security and Yours + Self-Defence: Legitimacy and Limits+ Threats and Your Security Plan + Armed Robbery: Prevention and Survival + Residential Security+ The Gated Community, Neighbourhood Watch and Vigilantes + Road and Travel Security+ Kidnapping and Assassination: Mitigating the Threats + Kidnapping: Surviving the Ordeal + Security of Public Premises+ Contracting a Consultant and a Security Guard Company + Workplace Violence: Mitigating a Real and Present Threat+ Bombs and Terrorism: Staying Out of Harm's Way + Armed Intruders and Gun Attacks: Escaping Harm+ Event Security + Cyber, Computing and Telephone SecurityNever again would individuals as wells as organizations be in the dark about their roles in own and national security!