The start of the year is a great time to take stock of your wellness – your physical security wellness, that is. This includes checking your physical structures and your security systems to identify anything that can affect the integrity of your physical security.
Most buildings today have security technology installed: video surveillance cameras, access control, alarms and building management systems. However, just because they were tested when installed does not mean they’re still working like they should. That’s why it’s vital to regularly test your security technology. This can include running reports to ensure no vulnerabilities have been missed but should also involve load-testing your systems with simulated break-ins or security drills.
Maintenance is also a commonly overlooked part of an office building security checklist, but having a clean, clutter-free space can make a big difference when it comes to security. A premise with debris, garbage or unkempt landscaping may be more of a target for criminals, while unorganized interiors can lead to slower responses during critical moments.
A few of the more common physical security gaps include:
- Areas that are not covered by surveillance systems.
- High-traffic areas that lack access control.
- IT systems and equipment that are not monitored for unauthorized access.
- Public spaces that lack sufficient lighting.
Use this physical security checklist to assess the wellness of your facility.
Access control systems
- How are permissions and access cards granted and managed?
- Have all former employees and contractors been removed from the access system?
- How are access logs and reports generated, and how often are they reviewed?
- If the access control system is integrated with other security controls (e.g. intrusion detection, firewalls and data encryption), is that integration working?
- Are there any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the access control system that could compromise security?
- Are there any incidents or breaches of access control security that have occurred in the past, and have you addressed those vulnerabilities?
- How reliable are your readers and locks?
- If your system has a door prop/ajar alarm, is it working?
- If your system has an access breach alert system, is it working?
Video surveillance systems
- Are your security cameras all online and working properly?
- Do all cameras give a clear, high-definition image, even in varying lighting conditions?
- Are any high-risk areas fitted with security cameras?
- How is camera footage monitored? If you do not have 24/7 monitoring, do you have alerts set up for any suspicious activity?
- How is your video data storage secured?
- Do you have enough video data storage to meet industry standards for auditing?
Life safety systems
- If you have a crisis communication system, is it working, and do all areas/offices have access to it?
- If you have a lockdown system, is it working?
- Is your staff comfortable and fully trained with the operation of your current systems, particularly new employees?
The exterior of the building
- Are entry points, such as doors and windows, secure and in good working order?
- Are there any vulnerabilities, such as unsecured windows or doors, that could be exploited by potential intruders?
- Is all exterior lighting effective and in good working order?
- Do you have visible signage and security cameras, if needed?
- Is the perimeter of the building secured and well-maintained?
The interior of the building
- Are there any dark corners or unsecured areas where you do not have visibility?
- Does the facility layout give security personnel clear lines of sight to key entry points?
- Are there any potential vulnerabilities, such as unsecured areas or weak points in the building’s structure, that could be exploited by potential intruders?
- Are your IT closets and storage areas well-organized?
- Do you have a way of maintaining visitor logs or records?
Physical security should never be a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Perform a security checkup regularly, so you can be confident that your systems will function properly when you most need them.
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Content for this blog was provided, in part, by Avigilon. CM3 proudly deploys the Avigilon suite of security products.