Physical Security Consulting

Whenever you enter a building or an office, you are normally required to leave an ID and wear a visitor pass. Some buildings with high-tech security features will allow you to use your ID to access specific areas only and bar you from entering locations where you are not supposed to go. Physical security is established in the perimeter as well as the interior of any enterprise, institution, or agency. All these efforts are for the protection of the personnel, data, information, software, hardware, data, networks, and all assets from physical actions that may lead to serious damage or loss. Physical security solutions include protection from flood, fire, natural disasters, theft, vandalism, burglary, and terrorism. 

What is a Physical Security Consultant?

Ordinary people are not aware of the importance of establishing sophisticated physical security measures with the help of security consulting services. Some are not even aware that there are agencies who hire a professional physical security consultant to assess or evaluate the measures implemented in certain locations. But are the people that hire a consulting security expert? And what does a physical security consultant do for a business? 

A physical security consultant generally serves small and medium-sized businesses. They conduct security consulting services to help these small businesses in the development of security solutions and in mitigating the risk of loss. Managers and business owners are experts in running their business, and it may not cover expertise matters of physical security. They may have ideas on their need to secure their business perimeter, but effective measures involve more than just installing CCTV cameras or putting locks on windows and doors. Business owners are hardly aware of any risk assessments and development of security solutions to their security risk.

For instance, there are business owners who may not be familiar with the latest innovations on security surveillance cameras, or the use of blue light in preventing crimes.  Security consultants continuously get updated with the latest data and information on security features to assess area liabilities and develop customized plans while considering the pros and cons of several security options.   

Physical security consulting services also provide an objective perspective on the company’s existing policies and procedures. They assist the company to develop and implement trainings for employees. The main goal of physical security consultant is to help an institution is to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities in a cost-effective way.    

What is the Meaning of Physical Security?

Facilities or industries with high asset concentration require highly efficient physical security measures especially for critical systems in the business. It is a crucial factor for IT resources, information, and data center because of their operational demands hardware and software assets. It is likewise essential for protecting tangible assets from tampering by unauthorized persons, burglary, theft, unforeseen events, floods, fires, and natural disasters.  

Physical security involves two phases and security consulting services can help you make assessments on your present systems. The first one is on deterrence. These measures are installed to deter intruders or prevent accidents and natural events from affecting valuable assets. It may involve the use of signages, barriers,  and locks. Physical barriers can serve as protection from external factors such as accidents, or storms.  

The second phase of physical security is implementing detection measures. It includes the use of surveillance equipment such as security lights, motion sensors, cameras, security personnel team, and watchdogs.

What Are the Three Parts of Physical Security Standards?

Physical security has three major components as evaluated by security consulting services. It is but a sizable piece of more significant security solutions. Based on experience, physical security consultants agree that the three components of physical security are access control, security testing, and surveillance. All these work together to make your place more secure and protected. 

Implementing access controls as part of your security solutions should start at the perimeters and it should be established early in the process. It may involve the use of permanent fencing, access identification cards, biometric entry, and video surveillance to monitor the movement of personnel and vehicle in your area. It is essential for facilities with outdoor parking space and other resources. Some companies have unique cards to swipe or tap open doors and entryways. 

Another important standard in physical security is surveillance. It involves the use of modern security systems such as motion, smoke or heat sensors, alarm systems, and other notification systems. A well-planned surveillance security system have all sensors and alarms connected for easy processing of notifications to alert the person responsible. Efficient systems will ensure that your facility and personnel are protected against accidents and intrusions. A sophisticated cloud-based system may provide real-time reports, better risk management, and updates even if you are in another location.

Security testing should be done regularly to test your abilities and technical capabilities of your system to react to various threats and dangers. There should be fire and earthquake drills to hone your skills and prepare you for emergency situations. When all these important physical securities are in place, it is easier to check on the safety of everyone. Drills and tests also tell you the weak points of your security plan so that you can improve and implement better systems. 

What Are Some Examples of Physical Security Measures?

There are various of securing your premises. Depending on the facility, some will be applicable while others may not work. Physical security measures and strategies to protect people and property are often similar in many locations. Here are some common examples:

Access Control Systems – these are systems designed to verify the identity of a person as they enter the perimeter. People with verified credentials can access specific areas, the entryways lock automatically and only the approved credentials can unlock them. 

Visitor Management Systems – these are applicable to visitors, guests, or outsiders from the firm. They may be allowed entry to the premises when they are given visitor cards or badges in exchange for a temporary hold of their ID. Visitor cards will only allow entry to specific locations.

Security Personnel – there are facilities wherein there is a need to have on-staff security personnel. These employees are trained to keep an eye and respond to threat against employees and properties.   

Workspaces, business perimeters, and company facilities differ widely in security set up and locations. There are also different threats, thus applicable physical security solutions must be done according to the needs. The most crucial factors to consider are access control, surveillance, and physical security systems tests. Protecting the personnel and the property will ensure that everything is safe and secure in your location. Is your company ready to deal with potential security risk and dangers? Have a security consultation with a team of security consultants to work on the development of your systems that will protect your personnel and your facility.