When your safety is at stake, you deserve transparency. This side-by-side comparison shows exactly how different executive protection approaches stack up across the criteria that matter most for Brazil operations.
We created this comparison because executives visiting Brazil deserve an honest evaluation of their security options—not marketing spin. Whether you choose Vanguard Attaché or another approach, understanding the trade-offs helps you make an informed decision aligned with your risk tolerance and operational needs.
This matrix compares four common approaches: Vanguard Attaché (our integrated model), International Security Firms (multinational providers), Local Brazilian Security Firms (regional specialists), and Self-Protection/DIY (internal security measures). Each approach has legitimate use cases—the right choice depends on your specific situation.
How different executive protection approaches perform on metrics that matter
Criterion
Vanguard Attaché
Integrated security + lifestyle management
International Security Firms
Multinational providers (rotate personnel globally)
Local Brazilian Firms
Regional specialists (Brazil-only operations)
Self-Protection / DIY
Internal measures without professional security
$4K-$15K per trip (all-inclusive)
$8K-$25K per trip (security only, add concierge separately)
$2K-$6K per trip (security only, limited English support)
$0 direct cost (high opportunity cost from time spent on logistics + unknown risk exposure)
Security + concierge + logistics in one package
Premium pricing, security-only focus
Budget-friendly but limited scope
Zero service value, maximum personal burden
15+ years exclusive Brazil focus, SĂŁo Paulo native founder
Generic protocols applied to Brazil (personnel rotate globally)
Strong local knowledge, limited international standards
Tourist-level understanding, high vulnerability to scams
Active relationships with BOPE, ROTA, COT, Federal Police
Limited local law enforcement connections
Some connections, inconsistent across firms
No law enforcement access
GSOC monitoring + on-ground networks in major cities
Generic threat feeds, limited Brazil-specific sources
Local intel but lacks international context
Google searches and hotel concierge advice
24-48 hours for standard details, 6-12 hours emergency response
5-7 days (must mobilize from other regions)
24-72 hours (limited bilingual agents)
Immediate (but unprepared)
LAPD & Army PSB protocols adapted for Brazil
U.S./European standards but generic application
Brazilian standards only (varies widely)
No professional standards
Bilingual (English/Portuguese), culturally integrated
English-speaking agents flown in, limited Portuguese
Portuguese fluent, limited English proficiency
Translation apps and gestures
Round-the-clock GSOC + on-call agents
24/7 global operations center (response time varies)
Business hours + emergency line (limited after-hours)
Yourself (exhausting, error-prone)
Security blends seamlessly with luxury travel (SecureFlow™ protocol)
Security-first mindset (restrictive, obvious presence)
Bodyguard mentality (high-visibility, limits activities)
Constant vigilance reduces enjoyment
Low-profile agents, civilian dress, invisible until needed
Professional but noticeable (earpieces, tactical gear)
High-visibility approach (attracts attention)
Appears vulnerable or paranoid
Tailored protocols for each client (boardroom to beach)
Standardized procedures (rigid, one-size-fits-all)
Limited customization (fixed service tiers)
Complete flexibility (but no expertise to guide it)
GSOC, real-time threat monitoring, secure comms, armored fleet
Enterprise-grade tech (but generic Brazil application)
Basic comms and vehicles (limited tech investment)
Consumer-grade tools (insufficient for serious threats)
0 incidents across 1,000+ protective details
Low incident rate (but Brazil-specific data unavailable)
Inconsistent (varies by firm quality)
High risk, unreported incidents common
Seamless coordination with U.S.-based teams, global travel logistics
Strong global network (but Brazil execution inconsistent)
Brazil-only operations (difficult for multi-country trips)
Managing international logistics yourself
Dedicated account managers, proactive communication
Professional but transactional (ticket-based support)
Relationship-focused but limited resources
You are your own support team
ISO 18788, ISO 31030, OSAC member, ABSEG certified
ISO 18788, multinational compliance
Brazilian regulations (international certifications rare)
No professional certifications
Total Cost of Ownership
Vanguard Attaché
$4K-$15K per trip (all-inclusive)
International Security Firms
$8K-$25K per trip (security only, add concierge separately)
Local Brazilian Firms
$2K-$6K per trip (security only, limited English support)
Self-Protection / DIY
$0 direct cost (high opportunity cost from time spent on logistics + unknown risk exposure)
Value for Money
Vanguard Attaché
Security + concierge + logistics in one package
International Security Firms
Premium pricing, security-only focus
Local Brazilian Firms
Budget-friendly but limited scope
Self-Protection / DIY
Zero service value, maximum personal burden
Brazil-Specific Knowledge
Vanguard Attaché
15+ years exclusive Brazil focus, SĂŁo Paulo native founder
International Security Firms
Generic protocols applied to Brazil (personnel rotate globally)
Local Brazilian Firms
Strong local knowledge, limited international standards
Self-Protection / DIY
Tourist-level understanding, high vulnerability to scams
Elite Force Partnerships
Vanguard Attaché
Active relationships with BOPE, ROTA, COT, Federal Police
International Security Firms
Limited local law enforcement connections
Local Brazilian Firms
Some connections, inconsistent across firms
Self-Protection / DIY
No law enforcement access
Real-Time Local Intelligence
Vanguard Attaché
GSOC monitoring + on-ground networks in major cities
International Security Firms
Generic threat feeds, limited Brazil-specific sources
Local Brazilian Firms
Local intel but lacks international context
Self-Protection / DIY
Google searches and hotel concierge advice
Deployment Speed
Vanguard Attaché
24-48 hours for standard details, 6-12 hours emergency response
International Security Firms
5-7 days (must mobilize from other regions)
Local Brazilian Firms
24-72 hours (limited bilingual agents)
Self-Protection / DIY
Immediate (but unprepared)
U.S. Security Standards
Vanguard Attaché
LAPD & Army PSB protocols adapted for Brazil
International Security Firms
U.S./European standards but generic application
Local Brazilian Firms
Brazilian standards only (varies widely)
Self-Protection / DIY
No professional standards
Language & Cultural Fluency
Vanguard Attaché
Bilingual (English/Portuguese), culturally integrated
International Security Firms
English-speaking agents flown in, limited Portuguese
Local Brazilian Firms
Portuguese fluent, limited English proficiency
Self-Protection / DIY
Translation apps and gestures
24/7 Availability
Vanguard Attaché
Round-the-clock GSOC + on-call agents
International Security Firms
24/7 global operations center (response time varies)
Local Brazilian Firms
Business hours + emergency line (limited after-hours)
Self-Protection / DIY
Yourself (exhausting, error-prone)
Lifestyle Integration
Vanguard Attaché
Security blends seamlessly with luxury travel (SecureFlow™ protocol)
International Security Firms
Security-first mindset (restrictive, obvious presence)
Local Brazilian Firms
Bodyguard mentality (high-visibility, limits activities)
Self-Protection / DIY
Constant vigilance reduces enjoyment
Discretion Level
Vanguard Attaché
Low-profile agents, civilian dress, invisible until needed
International Security Firms
Professional but noticeable (earpieces, tactical gear)
Local Brazilian Firms
High-visibility approach (attracts attention)
Self-Protection / DIY
Appears vulnerable or paranoid
Flexibility & Customization
Vanguard Attaché
Tailored protocols for each client (boardroom to beach)
International Security Firms
Standardized procedures (rigid, one-size-fits-all)
Local Brazilian Firms
Limited customization (fixed service tiers)
Self-Protection / DIY
Complete flexibility (but no expertise to guide it)
Technology & Tools
Vanguard Attaché
GSOC, real-time threat monitoring, secure comms, armored fleet
International Security Firms
Enterprise-grade tech (but generic Brazil application)
Local Brazilian Firms
Basic comms and vehicles (limited tech investment)
Self-Protection / DIY
Consumer-grade tools (insufficient for serious threats)
Client Security Incidents
Vanguard Attaché
0 incidents across 1,000+ protective details
International Security Firms
Low incident rate (but Brazil-specific data unavailable)
Local Brazilian Firms
Inconsistent (varies by firm quality)
Self-Protection / DIY
High risk, unreported incidents common
International Coordination
Vanguard Attaché
Seamless coordination with U.S.-based teams, global travel logistics
International Security Firms
Strong global network (but Brazil execution inconsistent)
Local Brazilian Firms
Brazil-only operations (difficult for multi-country trips)
Self-Protection / DIY
Managing international logistics yourself
Client Support Quality
Vanguard Attaché
Dedicated account managers, proactive communication
International Security Firms
Professional but transactional (ticket-based support)
Local Brazilian Firms
Relationship-focused but limited resources
Self-Protection / DIY
You are your own support team
Certifications & Standards
Vanguard Attaché
ISO 18788, ISO 31030, OSAC member, ABSEG certified
International Security Firms
ISO 18788, multinational compliance
Local Brazilian Firms
Brazilian regulations (international certifications rare)
Self-Protection / DIY
No professional certifications
Honest guidance on which option fits your situation
Best For
Not Ideal For
Best For
Not Ideal For
Best For
Not Ideal For
Best For
Not Ideal For
This matrix is based on 15+ years of Arthur Harris's experience operating in Brazil's executive protection market, including direct observation of competitors, client feedback after switching providers, and industry benchmarking. Criteria were selected based on factors clients consistently cite as decision-drivers.
We acknowledge bias—this comparison is created by Vanguard Attaché. However, we've included scenarios where other approaches may be preferable (see "When to Choose Each Approach"). Our goal is transparency: if we're not the right fit, we'd rather you know upfront than experience mismatched expectations.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific Brazil security needs. We'll provide honest guidance even if we're not the right fit for your situation.
This comparison reflects Vanguard Attaché's perspective and experience in Brazil's executive protection market. Service quality varies significantly within each category (especially local firms). Conduct your own due diligence before selecting any security provider.