Shooting prompts review of risks

A shooting outside the offices of YouTube on Tuesday prompted an outpouring of support from fellow technology workers, as well as a sense of dread over whether other corporate headquarters in Silicon Valley were vulnerable to similar attacks.

YouTube’s campus in San Bruno, California, where three people were injured by gunfire, is laid out much like other tech offices nearby. It consists of a group of buildings within proximity, spread across a suburban area. There’s outdoor seating and grassy pastures inviting colleagues to congregate. Locals and employees can wander freely together in the vicinity, and security guards typically stay at desks inside the buildings.

‘ Companies invest in security but purposefully keep physical security measures discreet because the vibe is casual and relaxed,’ said Joe Sullivan, the former chief security officer at Uber Technologies Inc. and Facebook Inc. who’s nowan independent consultant. ‘ Leaders want to stay connected with their teams, generally choosing less visible security than you would see in traditional finance or media companies.’

In an American age where shooting rampages have become increasingly common, openness can work against companies, said Jeff Harp, a retired agent at the US Federal Bureau of Investigation in San Francisco who consults for technology companies. While employees are required to badge into buildings, access to many outdoor areas is generally accessible to all.

The episode could prompt executives to tighten security, Harp said.