6 Things Every Business Needs

On Their Physical

Security Checklist

Every modern business understands the importance of cybersecurity. But secure best practices shouldn’t stop with your digital assets. 

Physical security is defined as the measures that protect your facilities, equipment, resources, personnel and property from damage or harm. Storing valuable data or resources within your office is just as risky as storing them online. And every business should have physical security measures in place to protect themselves. 

You might be wondering – what steps should you take to make sure that your company is physically secure? Put your mind at ease with this simple physical security checklist.

Why Do You Need A Physical Security Checklist?

IT security is a top concern when it comes to overall business security in modern times. The cybersecurity market alone is expected to grow to over $300 billion by 2024 – up from $120 billion in 2017.

There are all sorts of situations that can damage the physical aspects of your business. Here are some common reasons you should have a physical security checklist in place:

• Natural disasters: A hurricane or flood can cause irreversible damage to your business, including retail inventory or technology assets.

• Weather: Storms or extreme heat events can damage your business’s infrastructure and cause power outages.

• Physical break-ins: Without proper security measures, break-ins can result in physical damage, stolen assets and data breaches. 

• Power outages: Unexpected power outages interrupt daily operations and put deliveries behind schedule. 

• Fires: Like weather and natural disasters, fires can damage assets, files and data records. 

The Ultimate Physical Security Checklist

Your business will suffer significantly if you don’t take the proper steps when it comes to physical security. In 2020, physical security requires much more than an antiquated surveillance system and a security guard who works the night shift. 

All of your employees need to be in agreement that there is a clear protocol when it comes to physical security – and following it could mean the difference between keeping your business afloat and going under. 

Here are some best practices to make sure that your business is protected from a physical security standpoint. 

1. Door Security and Alarms

Most main entrance doors have proper alarms in place. But have you considered emergency exits and windows? 

You need to invest in door security and alarms not only for intellectual property, but for the overall safety of your organization. You may even find that door security and/or alarms can improve employee morale. 

Follow these best practices for door security: 

• Install trigger alarms on every potential entrance and exit, including windows

• Protect rooms inside your facility, such as data centers and file storage rooms

• Make sure every alarm has an emergency power source in case of power outages

• Test alarms regularly

2. Access Controls

How easy would it be for unauthorized personnel to enter your building? An access control system prevents employees from entering unapproved areas. Access controls can include keycards, biometric scanners, badges and other tools that validate a person’s identity. 

You should have visibility into where and when people are entering the building at all times. In the event an employee engages in illegal activity, access controls make it easier to track down the people responsible.

3. Video Surveillance

Video surveillance can help to deter criminals. In fact, there are studies that show that video surveillance can lead to a decrease in crime. 

Modern video surveillance systems often provide high-quality footage that you can remotely monitor and manage. Choose a camera system that can record continuously or automatically start recording when motion is detected. Having cameras visible can also help deter criminals, so you should leave them in visible areas. 

4. Document and Technology Disposal

Many companies hold on to physical files and devices instead of securely disposing of them. A closet full of old assets is a treasure chest for criminals – even if you think you’ve securely wiped them of all files. 

Make sure to shred all outdated documents in a timely manner. Old technology should be removed from your office by a trusted e-waste company. 

5. Personnel

Your employees should understand how to deal with a situation where their safety is threatened, in addition to being familiar with the office security checklist. Make sure your employees understand the potential threats and are trained to react appropriately. This might require some training investment, but it’s a smart use of time and money if you genuinely care about your company’s future.

6. Audit Frequency

Once you have all of these physical security policies in place, you need to decide how often you’ll evaluate and audit them. Security systems become obsolete, and you’ll need to set checkpoints to keep your technology updated. 

In general, it’s smart to audit your physical security systems at least twice per year. Make sure multiple members of your IT team are available to contribute to the audit, cover all necessary bases and perform quality assurance. 

Secure Your Physical Assets and Plan for the Future With SugarShot 

You’ll need to make many small decisions and investments to protect your business as you grow and evolve. That means taking the time to purchase new lighting, establish a visitor log and shred outdated documents to keep your office and employees safe. 

We’ve laid out why a physical security checklist is so important. But it can be daunting to implement all these new technologies alone. At SugarShot, we’re passionate about helping businesses achieve the optimal level of physical and cyber security. Our seasoned IT experts are happy to speak with you (obligation free) to discuss your security needs, whether that involves updating your physical security checklist or rebuilding your IT infrastructure completely. 

Ready to learn more? Contact SugarShot now for more information!