What Should You Know About Physical Security?

Physical security is essential to every business, in every industry, no matter its size or location. Understanding the true security needs of the business or how to address them, however, can be very difficult. Implementing an appropriate security system even for a small business in a low-crime area involves countless factors and dozens of moving parts from among hundreds of options. Deciding how all of these intricate elements fit together to best protect your assets is serious business, so it is important to understand all you can about the foundational elements of physical security. 

So What is Physical Security?

Every business, building, or facility needs a way to protect its assets from theft or harm. The tools used to achieve this are comprised of physical security measures. Physical security systems are tools used to prevent or restrict access and provide oversight and monitoring over critical areas to address the facility’s specific threats. This may include perimeter protection, intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance systems, and professional monitoring. 

Physical Security is One Whole Comprised of Many Parts

It is easy to think of physical security by its elements, such as just video surveillance. However, physical security considers all of your security needs together to address them in a comprehensive layered way, not as separate parts. No one system can address all of your security needs because they are designed to do separate tasks. Video surveillance is critical in providing oversight but cannot prevent intrusion. Access control can help control who has access to valuable assets but would not be valuable in deterring crimes like vandalism and loitering. No one measure is designed to adequately protect your business as a stand-alone function. 

Analyzing Threats and Levels of Threats

To provide adequate and appropriate security countermeasures, you need to identify and analyze the risks.

Common risks include:

• Theft
• Breach of information
• Vandalism
• Sabotage
• Violence
• Fraud

Physical Security Helps Mitigate Risks

A good security plan will consider all of the risks and address them in as many ways as possible. Physical security systems should include measures and devices that:

• Deter
• Detect
• Allow assessment
• Response

Application of Physical Security

In real-world applications of security, there is a lot to consider. Simply leaving a desk and computer containing customer information unattended could spell disaster. Things such as fraud and theft are common problems but easily addressed with the correct tools. Resolving security vulnerabilities requires starting at the perimeter and tightening vulnerable points, such as entry and exits, supply rooms, and data rooms.

The Wrap-Up

The right application of the right technologies is the secret weapon of any facility. While no one system application can provide all of the security a business would need, it is completely possible to have outstanding security that meets the needs of your business without going over budget. 

For help meeting the physical security system needs of your business, call Advantage Systems Group today!