The breakthrough was announced in a corridor of the cavernous U.S. Capitol building, which was devoid of all but security guards, reporters and key congressional aides.

FORBES: A Deal On The Bailout

Leading figures do have security guards but very discreet ones.

ECONOMIST: Norway after terrorism

But raising the standards of private security guards to a level that would reassure the public will not be easy.

ECONOMIST: Jack Straw takes on the law

But they have been turned away by coast guards and border security, with Bangladeshi authorities saying on Monday that another group of about 150 had been denied entry.

BBC: Burma unrest: Death sentences in Rakhine murder case

But it is often more efficient to rely on tipsters such as security guards, doormen, chauffeurs and restaurant staff.

ECONOMIST: The market for celebrity snaps is booming. Hide now

After negotiations, they agreed to leave -- but only after Israeli officials agreed to let a group of Jewish seminary students stay on as security guards.

CNN: Tells Arab League that Israel using 'lowest means'

G4S had been contracted to supply 10, 400 security guards out of a force of 23, 700 for the London Games, but the U.K. government was forced to draft in 3, 500 soldiers and police personnel after the company admitted it couldn't meet its targets just 16 days before the opening event.

WSJ: Social Media

But their companies claim they can't afford to let them: High-end security, with all its guards and cameras, is a balance between protection and privacy.

FORBES: Executive Protection