Top Physical Security Measures: Best Practices and Examples

For commercial properties, assets, employees, and the premises itself, physical security measures have never been more important. Over the last five years, 60% of companies have had some form of physical security breach. Whether you’re a small business, a large corporation, or a public space, strong physical security is key.

Examples of physical security are access controls and video surveillance which are critical to protecting assets and individuals from tangible threats.

Physical security is evolving with new technology emerging as a threat. Cybersecurity threats are now linked to physical security risks. It’s a complex environment that requires a holistic approach. Modern physical security has to address traditional threats like theft and vandalism as well as cyber-physical attacks that could compromise building systems or sensitive data.

With smart buildings and IoT devices on the rise, there’s more to consider in your overall security plan.

In this article, we will look at the top physical security best practices to help you stay safe. From the latest technology to old-school methods, here are the most effective ways to deter, detect, and respond to threats.

Key Takeaways

• Physical security is key to protecting people, property, and assets from threats.
• Key components of physical security solutions are access controls, surveillance technologies, and alarm systems. These are critical to deter unauthorized access, enhance monitoring, and respond quickly to incidents.
• Best practices like risk assessments, training staff, and regular audits can help enhance physical security and help organizations adapt to emerging threats.

What is Physical Security?

Physical security is a barrier for people, property, and company assets against threats like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. It keeps people safe, protects these resources, helps prevent unauthorized entry, and reduces the cost of repairing or replacing damaged assets.

Organizations are investing a lot in full physical security solutions to protect their staff, physical assets, and sensitive data from emerging threats. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, one vandalism incident can cost an organization $3,300.

Physical security may deter intruders, but it also helps employees to spot suspicious activity. This all-round approach to guarding your space is key to business continuity and resilience.

Managing physical security risks like theft, damage, trespassing, and uncontrollable natural disasters requires robust measures. This includes installing advanced access control systems and video surveillance cameras.

Using this combined approach in a building adds multiple layers of protection. This is the highest level of physical security to give everyone peace of mind.

Physical Security Component

A good physical security system combines several key components to help protect people and assets from break-ins and threats. This physical defense system uses various physical security controls including security cameras, alarms and access control. Each of these is critical to physical security and to deter people who should not be there.

Intrusion detection systems are part of the mix, working with physical barriers and video surveillance to create a complete security solution.

Access Control

Physical access control systems are used to control who gets into a building or area. They are designed to stop people who shouldn’t be there from getting in. These access control systems use key cards, mobile credentials and vehicle identification to verify credentials before someone is allowed in.

The physical parts of these access controls use devices such as RFID enabled devices, biometrics recognition technology and secret number codes to control access.

Entry management systems are part of access control. They allow businesses to give temporary access to guests while keeping track of who is on the property. This is critical to reducing security risks by having a record of everyone in the building.

Tailgating, where people without permission slip in behind someone who has permission to enter, can put a facility at risk. To address this vulnerability protocols must be in place.

Using cloud-based entry systems allows better management of access control. This is done through role specific admissions policies. This makes the defenses stronger at monitored checkpoints. So, it can protect physical assets better. This means better security for everyone in the building.

Security Cameras

Security cameras are the key to continuous monitoring and real-time video surveillance and can be a deterrent to unwanted visitors. These devices serve two purposes in any physical security plan: They deter incidents from happening and provide evidence if they do.

There are various types of surveillance cameras including network IP-based, motion-activated, and Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) that can cover large areas and focus on specific situations when needed. Motion-activated cameras are effective because they only record when there is activity, so they focus on the important footage rather than everything.

In physical security planning, the placement of these cameras is key to monitoring critical areas. Using advanced technology like AI-driven analytics can enhance security by automatically detecting and monitoring threats as they occur, so you can manage risks with both traditional and modern methods of securing assets.

Alarms

Security systems are the eyes and ears that can detect security breaches and emergencies. They can send notifications to security personnel to act. For example, fire alarms that detect smoke or heat send alerts during a fire so you can evacuate. Intrusion alarms with sensors on doors and windows sound when someone tries to enter without permission.

Organizations using these systems can respond faster and more effectively when faced with physical security threats.

Physical Security Threats

Organizations face many physical security threats including natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. You must recognize these physical security threats to develop security solutions.

Unauthorized Access

Unauthorized access is a physical security threat that can lead to theft, data breaches, and other security incidents. Access control measures such as physical barriers and ID card scanners can ensure that only authorized people have access to certain areas or information. Physical barriers include fences, gates, and bollards that can help prevent unauthorized people from getting in.

Social engineering is another physical security threat. It exploits human behavior to gain unauthorized access. This includes tailgating and getting someone to hold the door open for you.

RFID-enabled access devices and video security systems can counter internal theft and unauthorized access by tracking and logging everyone who enters the premises.

Strong access control must be in place to mitigate physical security risks and protect sensitive areas.

Theft and Vandalism

Theft and vandalism are physical security threats that can cause massive damage and financial loss. To mitigate these risks, commercial properties should have strong access control and continuous video surveillance. Add to that environmental tactics like dense shrubbery barriers, sensor-triggered lighting, and well-maintained paths to deter intruders and vandals.

Installing lights and security cameras in strategic locations can be a big deterrent to vandals who want to damage or tag the building. Community engagement initiatives promote collective responsibility and awareness which can help in quick response if any threat arises.

By addressing these physical security concerns head-on through these measures, businesses can help protect their assets in a monitored environment.

Natural Disasters

Preparedness is key to keeping physical security solutions protected from natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. This means structural reinforcement to minimize damage and business continuity. By having these plans in place, you not only protect your assets but also your employees during and after the event.

With procedures in place, organizations can reduce the impact of natural disasters on their physical security infrastructure. An organization must update and practice these procedures to be ready for any environmental threat. Preparedness is key to asset protection and system resilience against natural disruptions.

Physical Security Best Practices

Physical security measures need to be tailored to an organization’s specific needs. Here are the steps to perform for risk assessment and review.

Risk Assessment

Do a full risk assessment of your physical security strategy. This will help you identify and mitigate vulnerabilities and threats. The assessment should cover all the main areas and include common threats, vulnerabilities, exposed entry points, and past unauthorized access incidents.

Looking at historical data like burglary patterns and thefts can give you valuable information to improve physical security protocols. Physical security experts can reveal areas that are currently not secured.

Audits and Updates

Continuously review and update the physical security plan to respond to changing threats and stay relevant. Regular assessments are required to keep physical security measures up to date with technological changes and shifting threats.

Regular reviews will help you identify weaknesses in your physical security. If needed, you can revise to mitigate new physical security risks and take advantage of new technology. This forward-thinking approach will keep your physical security framework strong against threats.

Physical Security Technology

Companies are changing their physical security with physical security technology including AI, cloud, and mobile credentialing. This new tech gives situational awareness, simplifies security operations, and can enhance threat detection.

AI and Analytics

AI in threat detection speeds up and improves threat detection. AI processes massive amounts of data to enable better decision-making and incident reporting. Intelligent video analytics driven by AI filters out noise and highlights the relevant events, so responses are more accurate.

Sensors, alarms, and video management systems are integrated into physical security systems to enhance intrusion detection. Smart building sensors monitor movement, acoustics, light levels, and temperature as part of an overall security plan.

Automated components within these systems verify entries and exits and do proactive intrusion detection – the foundation of security.

Cloud Solutions

Cloud-based physical security solutions offer scalability, cost savings, and user-friendliness. The ability to deploy and test these solutions is a big part of the cost. By using the cloud, you can reduce operational costs and make changes quickly to improve management.

Cloud-based access control systems allow you to control staff entry permissions remotely so you can reinforce security without a big IT infrastructure investment. This simplifies the management of safety protocols, and you can respond quickly and effectively to security incidents.

Mobile Credentialing

Modern security systems strengthen physical security through mobile integration with smartphones and mobile devices. Mobile credentialing makes access control management for businesses easier by allowing administrators to grant or revoke access in seconds. This can reduce installation and maintenance costs and increase security flexibility.

Mobile apps allow users to manage access control and send virtual keys quickly, speeding up resource deployment in security operations. Mobile credentialing in security systems make operations more efficient, flexible, and cost-effective.

Physical Security Examples

Here’s how physical security can be applied to different industries.

Corporate Offices

Companies need physical security systems in place to protect staff and assets from threats. Good security not only protects employees but can also impact vacancy rates and the financial health of the organization. High vacancy rates can be a big drain on resources. These are often due to safety concerns from tenants and employees. Not to mention without proper security measures, companies can get hit with unpaid damage charges from vandalism or theft which can further strain operational budgets.

Working with security consultants or integrators can secure the site and make physical security more efficient. They can assess the site and recommend the best options for maximum protection.

Using modern solutions like access control systems and remote video monitoring can give you full coverage. By taking proactive measures organizations can create a safe working environment for employees and tenants and protect assets from threats.

Multifamily Residential

In multifamily properties, physical security should be tailored to the specific challenges of securing residents and common areas. For example, access control systems and video surveillance are important not only to protect residents but also to boost resident retention and manage operational costs. Access control systems including key fobs, biometric scanners, or mobile app access can be customized to give different access levels to residents, maintenance staff, and visitors. This can make the property secure and convenient for everyone.

Video surveillance can be placed in high-traffic areas like lobbies, parking garages, and elevators to monitor activity to deter would-be intruders. When paired with remote video monitoring these systems can give real-time oversight so security professionals can respond quickly to suspicious behavior.

This level of proactive security is key to providing a safe living environment which can directly impact resident satisfaction and retention. High turnover rates due to safety concerns can increase marketing expenses and turnover costs. By investing in advanced security solutions multifamily operators can create a safer environment, reduce vacancy rates, protect their bottom line, and ultimately improve Net Operating Income (NOI).

Automotive Dealerships

In an automotive dealership, physical security must be tailored to protect high-value inventory and create a safe environment for customers and staff. Dealerships may use a combination of perimeter security measures like fences, gates, and bollards to deter after-hours access to the lot.

High-definition video cameras can be placed in all key areas, showrooms, service bays, and outdoor lots where vehicles are displayed. These cameras are often connected to remote video monitoring services where trained security professionals can watch the site in real time and respond quickly to threats like theft or vandalism.

License plate recognition at entry and exit points can also help track vehicles and deter criminal activity. Customizing these physical security solutions to the dealership’s specific needs can help protect inventory, enhance customer safety, and reduce losses.

Industrial Facilities

Perimeter security is key to industrial sites as they are the first line of defense against intruders. Physical obstacles like fences, barriers, and barbed wire can stop unauthorized people from getting into facilities and accessing valuable assets.

Restrictive access protocols and surveillance systems can be used at industrial sites to deter vandalism and theft. By adding remote video monitoring to these physical security solutions, industrial sites can enhance their security. Remote monitoring can give real-time oversight so security professionals can respond quickly to any threats and ensure resources are protected and operations are disruption-free.

Creating a Physical Security Plan

When creating a physical security plan, you need to look at the whole organization, all departments and functions. This requires input from everyone.

Objectives

Setting specific objectives for the physical security plan is key to dealing with known threats and vulnerabilities. Clear objectives will allow you to create customized security solutions for your organization. This will give you a focused approach to physical security.

Resources

Physical security requires sufficient personnel resources. A well-trained security team is important to managing physical security, using technology and training to prevent unauthorized access, and the ability to respond to threats. Proper training for security personnel will allow them to do their job more effectively, including rapid response to any incidents. Technological upgrades like advanced surveillance and access control systems can help strengthen these physical barriers.

Cloud-based technology can give you scalability and better resource management within your security strategy. Mobile credentialing systems can provide flexible yet robust access control and allow you to deploy security resources across the business. This will cover all aspects of safety so every area will be well protected with a strong overall defense against threats.

Implementation and Monitoring

Physical security requires the integration of advanced technology, expert personnel, and proven best practices that are customized to the organization’s specific needs.

You need to do a risk assessment to identify weaknesses and determine the best security measures to mitigate threats. Security personnel should be trained to execute physical security protocols and maintain compliance with those protocols.

Organizations must review and update their strategies regularly to find any gaps in their current physical security solutions and to stay ahead of emerging threats and technology.

A well-implemented physical security strategy should have processes for continuous monitoring to verify compliance with existing safety protocols. Regular review and update of these procedures will allow businesses to not only maintain but also improve their overall readiness to prevent breaches of security.

Adding remote video monitoring to your physical security plan can make it more effective. Remote video monitoring can give you real-time oversight so trained security personnel can detect and respond to incidents as they happen. This proactive approach can not only deter threats but also provide video evidence in case of a security breach.

Remote video monitoring can be used to support security guards and courtesy patrols. Security guards are important for physical security, but they can’t be everywhere at the same time. Trained security professionals watching live surveillance cameras can monitor the entire property at once and alert onsite security and/or local authorities as needed.

By combining remote video monitoring with other physical security measures, you can have continuous coverage and fill any gaps in your security strategy.

Organizational Safety and Physical Security

Physical security is important to protect people, assets, and infrastructure from threats. Knowing the components of physical security systems, recognizing the common risks, and following best practices will allow organizations to have a security strategy that delivers safety and business continuity. Using the latest technology and refreshing these security measures regularly will help you strengthen your defenses and be resilient to emerging threats. Stay ahead and future-proof your property for maximum physical security.

Download this free guide to learn more about physical security for commercial properties, Live Video Monitoring: More Than Just Catching Criminals. Still have questions? Contact us.

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