How to reduce the security risks of a business as part of security risk management plan is an ever-changing and complicated part of a facilities manager’s role. Over the last few decades, the increase in terrorist attacks, white-collar crime, security requirements and expectations have increased exponentially. The starting point for defining security risk should be an audit of the facility, but where should you start? Here are some tips on how to reduce the security risks associated with your company.
Access Points
Main entrances, backdoors and that side door that people use to sneak out for some fresh air. Who has keys, who parks in the car park and who uses the bike lockup downstairs? Conducting an audit of access points is the crucial starting point to reduce a security risk, and often hard decisions must be made; the permanent closure of doors and removal of access passes can be frustrating for some team members, but for the overall security of the business, it may be worthwhile.
Technology
Security technology is continually improving and will play an ever-increasing part in the efficiency and effectiveness of security teams. However, “more,” and “bigger” is not always better. Technology should be used as an effective way to reduce your security risks. But firstly, look at external threats and consider potential breach points or weaknesses. Then, consider internal weaknesses, and use technology to help reduce the exposure, or deter criminal activity.
Monitoring
Proper monitoring is more than just paying attention; it’s being able to define who was where and when. When auditing your monitoring systems, incorporate access passes, car park entry and other trackable movements as part of it. Remember to prioritise – it may not be important to know everyone who enters the reception, but your R&D lab may be of the utmost importance. Likewise, it may be impractical to identify every person who enters your carpark, but perhaps photographic identification should be a requirement for all subcontractors.
Use your Property to its Optimum
When undergoing an architectural audit, you are evaluating the property for its strengths and weaknesses. This includes considering some fairly grim ‘What if” scenarios –
– What if a car drove into the building? or
– a home-made bomb was set off outside? or
– the building next door was firebombed?
Now, consider any potential exposure points, and take into account the strengths and weaknesses of the building. Perhaps there are natural barriers such as trees in place to stop a car hitting reception. Maybe the building has been designed to withstand an explosion, and perhaps the natural thickness of the walls allows for a certain amount of protection from an explosion.
Or maybe the reception area is made entirely of glass and has no protection at all. Perhaps the property next door is a high-risk business, and you share an internal wall. All these circumstances should be considered and prioritised as part of the architectural audit, and action taken where the risk levels are unacceptable.
How to reduce the security risks of a business must be seen as a team effort for every person in the company. Speak with your team and ask for suggestions on how they would bolster security in their area of the group.
Do you need help to conduct a thorough security audit? Our team of highly trained and experienced security professionals are on hand to assist you make the most of your security. Contact us today to make sure your business avoids becoming a crime stat. Call 07 3612 9999 or visit the Contact Us page for more ways to get the help you need.