With such a focus on software solutions for business continuity and dealing with a network or online attack, many companies are forgetting that it may be time to update their physical security as well. Apart from password-protecting computers and putting a lock on the door, how are you prepared to deal with potential theft, trespassing, or simply an emergency situation?
Many companies are so focused on virtual disasters that they forget what it means to have a physical one. Their fire systems, alarm systems, and security guard team have not been updated for years, leading to dangerous situations which can set back your company significantly.
To check how “updated” your company’s physical security is, see how would you answer the following questions:
- When is the last time you checked the expiry on your fire extinguishers?
Depending on where your business is located, there will be different legislation regulating the type of fire extinguishers you should have available and how often they should be checked by the appropriate authority. Notwithstanding the rules in place, it’s best practice to have your fire extinguishers and smoke detectors inspected by a fire protection equipment company on an annual basis.
- Do you have a key control protocol?
When your company is small and you know all the members of your team intimately, it’s easy to trust them with key access. However, once you grow to a certain size, governing the access to your physical assets becomes a little trickier. There are many ways to control access, from key cards, to number punch doors, or individual keys. However, if you are running a high-risk or tight-security operation, you might want to do it in a way in which you can track who enters the facility at what time, etc.
- Is your Security Team Optimized?
Many think of having a team of security guards as “old-school”, yet we are still to find a better solution to responding to incidents than an actual person. However, there are ways to integrate best practices and drive efficiency and effectiveness by using a guard tour system to monitor your security guards and manage patrol tours. Software can be the key to making the most of your physical team, it just has to be primed to deliver the results you need. This is especially important in locations where there is a lot of public access, as well as in high-risk and security facilities in which the liability is greater than average.
- When’s the last time you updated your insurance policy?
When a company is growing, it’s easy to get excited and just go with the flow. However, with growth comes the acquisition of new team members, additional equipment, and risks. Have your insurance company on speed dial and don’t forget to update your policy as often as you need. This way you won’t be kicking yourself for not increasing your coverage for theft or physical damages after your newest and most expensive piece of equipment gets stolen. To help remember this, schedule a time in your calendar once a month when you go over changes in your physical assets, and if necessary check in with your insurance company. You might find that you actually save some money with your constant updates.
These are just several common-sense safety and security precautions which trigger the mind to consider the myriad of issues which aren’t addressed in your physical security plan. Just like we spend time and resources protecting our digital assets against the threats that lie there, don’t let your physical security become outdated, instead invest in them for ultimate protection and resiliency.