It’s a new year and now is typically the time when businesses of all sizes and shapes need to institute — and reinforce — policies that will keep their facilities, clients, and employees safe.
Companies need to audit what works, what doesn’t, and where new innovations in physical security can ensure threats of all kinds are kept at bay.
In an opinion piece for IFSEC Insider, Liam Doherty, security consultant for ESA Risk, stresses that, now more than ever, corporations need to institute company-wide physical security policies. This is because threats such as public disorder and violent crime have been on the rise in recent years.
Employees at a given company must worry about concerns that would never have crossed their minds in the past. Compounding these broader cultural ruptures, “data theft is increasing, extremism is rising, and people are dealing with an increased number of economic and social issues,” he writes.
‘Many aspects of how you do business have changed’
Doherty said physical security protocols that span an entire corporation are necessary for shoring up assets and mitigating reputational damage that could be a byproduct of a physical attack on a business.
“Many aspects of how you do business have changed in recent years. Data is kept in the cloud, and employees may be working remotely. However, crucial financial information may still be stored on your premises. If someone gains physical access to this data — just as with a cyber breach — the resulting damage limitation activity is likely to cost you time and money. It also has the potential to weaken trust in your business and to break data protection regulations,” he writes in the piece. “You may think your business security services are sufficient. However, the scope of potential risks is constantly changing. This highlights the need to assess your corporate physical security policy regularly and adapt it when necessary.”
Crucial physical security protocols for a modern company
Doherty envisions any good company policy to feature strategies for protecting against internal and external threats, provisions for natural disasters, safeguards for fraud, crime detection, employee training, and protecting corporate data and wireless networks.
A major component of accomplishing this involves robust, modern access control systems. For example, this might involve biometric control systems and access cards for building entry.
Video surveillance systems that are cloud-connected are also crucial. No business can be without them today. Related to this, sensors to detect fires or smoke are needed. They have to be updated — make sure proper inspections are carried through.
Beyond everything, train all employees. This extends beyond physical security staff and managers. Everyone working within a company should be well versed in how modern physical security protocols function. It’s crucial for keeping everyone part of a modern corporation safe and secure.
Peter Cavicchia II 