Physical security is important for a variety of reasons. First, it helps to ensure the safety of people and property. Second, it helps to protect against crime. Third, it helps to deter potential criminals from targeting a particular location. Finally, physical security can help improve an area's overall security.  

Physical security components include lighting, fencing, locks, alarms, and surveillance cameras. Each component plays a role in deterring potential criminals and protecting people and property.  

What are the Benefits of Physical Security? 

Physical security benefits include deterring crime, protecting people and property, and improving the overall security of an area. However, the challenges associated with physical security include the cost of implementing and maintaining a comprehensive system, the risk of false alarms, and the potential for criminals to bypass security measures.  

Despite the challenges, physical security is important in keeping people and property safe.  When used in conjunction with other security measures, such as electronic security and patrols, physical security can be an effective way to deter crime and protect against potential threats. Hacking into software is much easier if a hacker is able to physically enter your facility. The physical security system should be active, effective, and alert at all times.  

What is a Physical Security Assessment?

Security is one of the most important factors in the modern office. It is your first line of defense against modern intruders, disruptive events that could derail your business, and natural disasters. A physical security assessment evaluates every aspect of your security system, its controls, and its parameters throughout your facility. It gives you the intel you need to make better decisions about how to run your facility. 

What is Included in a Physical Security Assessment?

Physical security helps to protect building sites, equipment, and all information and software contained in there. A physical security assessment is important because it evaluates existing or planned security measures that protect assets from threats and also identifies improvements when deemed necessary. It enables officials to pinpoint vulnerabilities in their physical security posture and then prioritize risks to their assets. It focuses on preventing application security defects and vulnerabilities.

Carrying out a physical security assessment allows an organization to view the application portfolio from an attacker’s perspective. It supports the staff by allowing managers to make informed resource allocation, and security control implementation decisions. It is an integral part of an organizations risk management process. 

How Do I Conduct a Physical Security Assessment?

A comprehensive physical security risk assessment is best carried out by a professional such as Grab The Axe. However, there is value in conducting one yourself. One way is to audit the physical environment in and around your facility. Notice strengths and weaknesses such as having sight lines to all entry and exit points, or poor lighting in the parking lot. Take into account how functional and up to date different features within your facility are. Out of date infrastructure can be a security risk. 

Review your physical security system such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, key management systems, and asset lockers. This should be able to monitor every pint where someone access your facility. Check and see if these systems have blind spots or if there are any windows of time where assets are left unmonitored. Check the locks and see if you rely on a manual or an electronic key. Identify risk factors such as location, facility size, workforce size, and surveillance levels.  

Regular physical security assessments can be challenging but the benefits of this process are priceless. Consistent physical security assessments are critical in safeguarding the resources associated with your company.  

Request a physical security assessment from Grab The Axe today. One of our Total Security Solutions experts will reach out to provide you with valuable insights about any security vulnerabilities and how to minimize risks to protect your organization against unwanted threats.