Physical security, by definition, is the protection of personnel, hardware, software, networks and data from physical actions and events that could cause serious loss or damage to a business or organization. This includes protection from fire, flood, burglary, theft, vandalism, terrorism, and more. Most of these threats are covered by insurance; however, it is still best to have a plan in place to protect your business from any possible physical threat.
Your physical security framework should be made up of three main components: access control, surveillance, and testing. The success of your physical security program can often be attributed to how well each of these components is implemented, improved, and maintained.
Access Control
The key to maximizing your physical security measures is to limit and control what people have access to sites, facilities, and materials. Access control includes the measures taken to limit exposure of certain assets to authorized personnel only. Examples of these types of measures can include ID badges, keypads, and security guards. However, these options can vary greatly in terms of method, approach, and cost.
Using tactically placed obstacles, whether they be physical barriers, security devices, or private security personnel, organizations can make it more difficult for attackers to access valuable assets and information. Similarly, these barriers increase the time it takes for potential criminals to carry out acts of thievery, vandalism, or terrorism. The more obstacles in place, the more time organizations have to respond to physical security threats and contain them.
Surveillance
This is one of the most important physical security components for both prevention and post-incident recovery. Surveillance, in this case, refers to the technology, personnel, and resources that organizations use to monitor the activity of real-world locations and facilities. Examples of these can include mobile patrols, heat sensors, and notification systems.
The most common type of surveillance is closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras that record the activity of a combination of areas. The benefit of this method of surveillance is that it is as valuable in capturing criminal behavior as it is in preventing it. Potential criminals who see a CCTV camera are less inclined to break in or vandalize a building out of fear of being recorded. On the flipside, if an item has been stolen or vandalized, CCTV camera footage can be used to help identify the criminal and their tactic.
Testing
Physical security is both a preventative measure and incident response tool. Disaster recovery plans, for example, center on the quality of one’s physical security protocols – how well a company identifies, responds to, and contains a threat. The only way to ensure that such disaster recovery policies and procedures will be effective when the time comes is to implement active testing.
Testing also encourages unity throughout an organization. It ensures all company personnel are on the same page in case of an emergency. A fire drill, for example, is a necessary activity for schools and buildings because they help to coordinate large groups. Policy tests such as these should be conducted on a regular basis to practice role assignments and responsibilities and minimize the likelihood of mistakes.
Need a specialized physical security plan? Contact Assured Protection today!
Assured Protection provides customized security in a multitude of different fashions – all tailored to fit the needs of the client. In our business, one size does not fit all. We manage our personnel and make responsiveness to our client the number one goal. Day or night, you’ll know that Assured Protection is on the job and keeping you and your property secure. To learn more, give us a call at (443) 281-8391.
