Physical Security: Essential Strategies to Protect an Organization’s Critical Assets

What is Physical Security?

Physical security refers to measures and strategies that protect the organization’s people, property, and assets from physical threats such as theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks. While this form of security is distinct from electronic measures, the two are increasingly integrated to ensure comprehensive physical safety and digital security.

Importance

Physical security has been a concern since the dawn of civilization, so physical security solutions continued to evolve. Security guards and night watchmen were in high demand during the Industrial Revolution. Modern surveillance systems and access controls replaced 20th-century traditional locks and alarms. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital security risk assessments, and cybersecurity integrations are transforming the current business landscape.

While physical security systems have changed over the centuries, the purpose has remained the same. These measures enable organizations to reduce vulnerabilities, proactively handle threats, and quickly resume operations after disruptions. Consequently, companies that can safeguard their people and assets are deemed more trustworthy, increasing their competitive edge in the market.

7 Most Common Security Threats

The first step in developing comprehensive physical security measures is to be aware and knowledgeable of the various threats organizations might face. These are the most prevalent dangers:

• Theft and burglary of valuable assets (e.g., equipment and sensitive information) are the most common offenses against small businesses and retail establishments.

• Vandalism, the malicious destruction or defacement of property, creates a negative perception of the business.

• Intrusion or unauthorized access poses risks to sensitive information and critical operations.

• Natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and fires, cause widespread damage to the company’s infrastructure and assets. Unfortunately, the frequency and severity of these phenomena have worsened due to climate change.

• Terrorism and sabotage are deliberate attacks designed to cause damage and disrupt operations. These also create fear and uncertainty.

• Workplace violence, one of the most ignored physical security threats, is a serious issue that has led to hundreds of fatalities in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

• Insider threats, or property theft and other malicious acts by employees or third-party associates, can be just as damaging as external threats. Some experts claim this risk accounts for up to 60% of all data breaches.

Key Components

Components of Physical Security

Establishing building security requires more than just having people guarding the entrances. A combination of several components is generally recommended when developing a physical security plan. Here are the essentials:

Perimeter Security

Whether physical or electronic, barriers secure boundaries around the facility or property and serve as the first line of defense in physical security. This includes the following:

• Fencing and walls

• Security glass and window locks

• Turnstiles and revolving doors for pedestrian access

• Gates and bollards for vehicular access

• Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS)

Access Control

This component ensures that only authorized individuals can enter certain areas within a building or facility, reducing the risk of theft, damage, and other threats. Here are some physical security examples:

• Traditional locks and keys

• Electronic key cards or fabs

• PIN-based systems

• Biometric systems

• Multifactor Authentication (MFA) 

Surveillance

Monitoring activity in and around a facility is crucial to detect potential threats or security breaches in real -time. This also provides a record of events for investigative purposes in case of an incident. These are the types of surveillance systems:

• Closed-circuit television (CCTV) 

• Internet Protocol (IP) cameras (remote monitoring)

• Motion sensors and infrared cameras

• Drones and mobile surveillance units for hard-to-access areas

Testing and Maintenance

Regular checks ensure that physical security controls remain functional and effective over time. These are some activities that security teams should schedule and conduct:

• Physical security audits and system inspections of all security equipment

• Penetration testing to simulate attacks and expose vulnerabilities in the security system

• Emergency response drills and simulations, part of the extensive physical security assessment, to ensure employees can react to physical threats and natural disasters

• Software and hardware updates to ascertain that the system is kept up to date with the latest features and patches

Personnel and Response Systems

Human security personnel (e.g., onsite security guards, mobile patrols, and emergency response teams) complement the technological measures implemented by the organization. This component lends flexibility, judgment, and rapid response during a breach or emergency.

Best Practices

Numerous business leaders report an increase in physical security accidents in 2023. Even employees verbalize their worries, with one out of seven saying they don’t feel safe in their workplace. These highlight the urgent need for effective physical security measures. The following are some of the best practices that can alleviate the usual concerns:

Conduct regular physical security risk assessments.

Assessing risks routinely enables companies to identify vulnerabilities and emerging threats in the security setup. It also aids in tailoring solutions to specific risks based on location, industry, and assets.

Integrate physical and digital security systems.

Managing disparate systems can be problematic. Whenever the company invests in new technology, it’s best to integrate these into a unified security platform, improving oversight and allowing real-time response to incidents.

Provide comprehensive employee training.

Safety training should be included in the physical security policy to minimize human error, prevent piggybacking, and eradicate insider threats. Aside from comprehensive onboarding, conducting periodic refreshers keeps security a top priority among workers.