Keeping your business assets and people safe requires a set of effective technology solutions and physical security guidelines. However, as every business is unique, physical security measures may vary widely.
For other businesses, physical security measures will focus on which employees can access server rooms or who can walk through the front door. On the other hand, some companies may require video surveillance, alarms, and in-depth employee training.
Fortunately, there are various easy-to-follow best practices and cost-effective physical security solutions that every business can implement, and these include the following:
1. Hire Security Supervisors
One of the physical security measures you should implement for your business is hiring security supervisors. Sites similar to https://www.logixxsecurity.com/security-company-toronto can provide information on professionals and highly trained security personnel or supervisors.
The primary role of security supervisors is to implement, develop, and oversee every aspect of the safety of your staff and business. For many businesses, it starts with a risk assessment, followed by the development of standard operating procedures with internal stakeholders and statements of work.
Physical security supervisors also handle all security personnel, train employees for emergencies, and control badge distribution among staff. An excellent physical security supervisor can help implement comprehensive security systems that detract would-be thieves from attempting crimes while ensuring the staff’s safety in any situation.
2. Consider Access Control
A cybersecurity system can’t protect your assets from countless on-site threats. As a matter of fact, any relaxed security control makes it easy for unauthorized persons to enter any privileged area.
If unauthorized personnel access a server room, they can do damage. They may even download malware directly to your servers or steal your company’s hard drives, resulting in catastrophic data breaches.
You should upgrade your access control to bolster your business’ physical security system and protect your company’s assets. Key cards and other traditional physical security measures can be used and stolen by burglars to gain unauthorized entry. By implementing advanced biometrics and facial access control systems, you can guarantee that only authorized individuals can access high-value assets.
3. Install Alarms
An alarm is a primary business security system feature that can help stop robberies or alert your staff to an emergency, such as carbon monoxide leaks or fire. Typically, modern alarm systems work in conjunction with a video surveillance device that you can manage from cell phones. They also include automated notifications to alert fire and police departments.
Companies should select between wireless and wired alarm systems, which both have requirements. A wired system consists of sensors installed at a key access point, such as windows and doors, to build a hardwired network throughout your company building. When the access point is breached, the alarms are triggered, and alerts are sent over the phone line to notify the proper authorities. Such systems can be costly to install and might not function well if the phone line goes down.
On the contrary, a wireless system works with access points and similar sensors but sends notifications through a cellular network or broadband Wi-Fi. Such cloud-based systems are usually cheaper to install and have a mobile app monitoring feature. However, a wireless system requires a constant data connection to work properly.
4. Establish A Strong Security Culture
A tailgater doesn’t always sneak in. More often than not, unsuspecting employees hold the door open for unauthorized individuals out of courtesy. Regardless of your technology solutions, the right company security system may fail if your employees take physical security lightly.
Establishing a strong security culture is essential to keep your facility safe. It’s because every individual in your workplace may affect your company’s security. To create a culture of security in your business, train your employees to practice secure behavior and recognize risks. With an informed workforce, you can avoid the risk of reputational and financial damage.
5. Create An Emergency Plan
No company wants to consider a worst-case scenario in terms of the physical security of its assets, people, or property, but having an emergency plan is essential to ensure efficient response and mitigate threats.
An emergency plan must clearly communicate the steps to be taken during emergencies. For example, plan where visitors and staff go during an evacuation and don’t forget to assign individuals who must activate the notification system when the emergency happens.
To ensure your emergency plan’s effectiveness and strong physical security, it must be communicated to every visitor and employee during site induction. If you don’t know how to create an effective emergency plan, get help from professionals who can strengthen your physical security for emergency cases.
6. Have A Surveillance Control Room
Besides hiring security personnel or supervisors, having a surveillance control room is another physical security measure your business must implement. Some of your trained security personnel can monitor the feeds in real-time to ensure extra security.
A surveillance control room brings together access control and video monitoring, which are often monitored and managed by security personnel to keep your premises safe. With this kind of control, it’s easy to ensure your company’s safety and security. However, operate it daily.
Depending on your business needs, getting help from experts on a solution and design considerations can help you establish an effective control room. So, don’t hesitate to hire professionals to experience the perks of having a surveillance control room.
Conclusion
Most businesses tend to overlook the importance of physical security due to the availability of advanced cybersecurity solutions. However, physical security is crucial to every business. If you want to keep your business safe from possible security risks, keep the above physical security measures in mind and implement them properly.