Physical security assessments and issues that may reveal
By now, you should already know that security is one of the most important factors in a modern office, modern industry or modern store. This applies from tiny start-ups to large organizations. It is the first line of defense against invaders, natural disasters and any other disturbances that could derail your business. You’re probably wondering how exactly, to make sure your security policy is effective. The answer: Conduct a security and safety assessment study.
As the name suggests, it is a comprehensive physical inspection and evaluation of both the security systems throughout your installation and the security and protection procedures. This is done both individually and macroeconomically, giving you the information you need to make better decisions about how your facility will work. In general, physical safety risk assessment is the combined process of both exercising intensive control and analyzing the results derived from it.
Understanding physical security checks
Physical security, as the name implies, is the material, technology and practices that protect your physical assets. Testing these systems means a thorough examination of each part of the wider system. It is a well-defined and critical process that is often adopted to comply with the requirements of many regulators and standardization agencies, including certification authorities and / or government agencies. All types of physical security systems installed, as well as the interventions that are observed, are examined in depth when conducting a physical security assessment.
There are many types of physical security threats and vulnerabilities, including natural disasters, such as fire and human interventions, such as burglary. By risking this, your business is vulnerable and exposed to large losses. The most common threats are attacks via your wireless network and physical intrusions. Hacking software and other online resources is much easier if an intruder is able to enter your facility physically, as opposed to one that works too far. Because of this, your physical security system needs to be active, efficient and alert at all times. Monitoring should be done with frequent physical security checks.
Finding security issues
Physical security checks can reveal many problems related to your systems or procedures. A robust security system can include many security checks, such as human guards, locks, smart locks, fences, a CCTV system, proper lighting, alarms, and more. Carrying out a physical security assessment shows you exactly what security gaps are in your installation, which may mean that you need to invest in more equipment or better and more efficient business practices.
Business issues can take many forms, but they all have to do with the people who manage the access control system. Low precautionary measures and care for your valuables, such as laptops, furniture, office equipment, can lead to easy theft. Employees and security personnel will need to be properly trained and aware of existing policies and security procedures, resulting in proper asset management. Your employees should not forget to constantly wear their badge / tag, as there is a risk of it being stolen by an unauthorized person. The senior management must implement the appropriate procedures proposed by a previous audit, so as not to leave “gaps” in the system.
Visitors can also be a problem. Many visitors and external partners do not constantly wear the access badge they have been given, making the system work improperly. Poor control of visitors entering your site is another major problem often found in security checks. Many employees either accompany their guests or do not make the appropriate entries in the guest registers.
Other problems come from the equipment you use in your security systems. Lack of security in handling and transferring documents and files within or outside the company (via the Internet) is a problem faced by many businesses. Improper or inadequate monitoring of your system by untrained guards is another issue that can cause many problems. Regular testing, maintenance and monitoring of safety equipment at all points should be performed frequently as specified in your policy. Insufficient lighting inside and outside the building, parking and access points can lead to easier burglary and theft. Intrusion detection systems, fire alarm systems and CCTV surveillance systems, among others, are often not properly controlled, which means that they may not work without anyone noticing.
Without a comprehensive physical security assessment policy, it is almost impossible to manage your business without facing high levels of risk. In order for your employees and customers to trust you with their data, it is worth checking every aspect of your physical and IT security, making the necessary adjustments.
