What Is Not A Physical Security Measure?

Physical security measures are mechanisms put in place to secure a building, property or an information system from unauthorized access. Their primary function is to prevent intrusion by humans (burglars), physical approaches like vehicles or even missile attacks aimed at causing harm to the facility and personnel. In contrast, non-physical security measures don’t physically restrict access to a space but may provide other types of protections.

In today’s world where businesses operate simultaneously on digital platforms and with traditional brick-and-mortar storefronts, the need for robust security arrangements cannot be overemphasized. While many businesses will implement standard physical security measures such as surveillance cameras, biometric locks, metal detectors, having only these measures may not guarantee comprehensive security for your business. One should also focus on implementing non-physical measures which are equally important aspects of a well-rounded security model.

So what exactly constitutes non-physical security measures? These can come in various forms ranging from policies, protocols, cybersecurity systems, staff training, culture and more. Non-physical measures serve as a safeguard against unpredictable situations like cyber attacks, fraud schemes, phishing scams, social engineering tactics. This type of security measure complements physical barriers to help ensure maximum security protection.

“Regardless of whether we choose strong passwords, successfully identify fraudulent website addresses, train our employees about security risks, ultimately there is still some level of risk involved that can never be mitigated through technical means alone.” -Eric O’Brien

This article explores a few examples comprehensively on what is not classified under Physical Security Measures and how crucial it is for the overall resilience of one’s organisational plan.

Understanding Physical Security

The Importance of Physical Security

Physical security is an essential aspect of securing not only physical assets but also sensitive information. It refers to the measures taken to safeguard people, equipment, infrastructure, and other valuable items from theft, damage, or any unauthorized access.

Without proper physical security measures in place, businesses are vulnerable to theft, vandalism, sabotage, terrorism, cybercrime, and workplace violence. A lack of preventative measures could cripple specific operations and devastate their bottom line.

“Effective physical security enables organizations to develop a defense-in-depth strategy that augments traditional IT security controls.” -Gartner Research Group

Physical security measures have proven crucial for several sectors such as government agencies, financial institutions, transportation hubs, industrial plants, retail outlets, and more.

The Components of Physical Security

There are five components of physical security: access control, surveillance, locks, barriers, and lighting.

• Access control: This includes all mechanisms used to limit entry into restricted areas through means such as passcodes, electronic cards, biometric identification, and more.
• Surveillance: Surveillance cameras serve as visual deterrents against theft, burglaries, and criminal activities. They can be monitored & recorded with technology’s aid.
• Locks: Locks offer the first line of defense and delay intruders significantly. Various types of locks like padlocks, door locks, deadbolts, and smart lock systems ward off unauthorized entries efficiently.
• Barriers: These include walls, fences, and gates designed to keep unauthorized persons out, enabling the regulation of traffic to restricted areas.
• Lighting: Adequate lighting deters acts of vandalism, break-ins, and theft by illuminating a building’s exterior. Proper indoor lighting improves safety for employees and discourages misbehavior inside an establishment.

The Benefits of Physical Security

The implementation of proper physical security measures offers several advantages beyond protecting valuable assets such as:

• Reduced Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies lower their premiums when they see better-secured businesses because it reduces claims frequency & provides more predictable risk exposure.
• Staff Safety: The installation of secure locks, fire-safety mechanisms, emergency evacuation plans can ensure staff members are safe in case of events like fires, earthquakes, or storms.
• Business Continuity: Business operations can be maintained without interruption with the arrangement of generators, uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), alarms, and monitoring systems that prioritize smaller disruptions.
• Better Reputation: A company that takes adequate security measures will improve its reputation over time as clients feel assured securing sensitive information with them.
• Increase in Productivity: By securing your premise appropriately, both the employer and employee feels much safer working within thus boosting morale, which translates into higher productivity levels.

Physical security is necessary for preventing damages and reducing risks. It should not be compromised under any circumstance, and new strategies must continually be put in place to keep up with the rising number of external factors that could lead to breaches.

“Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.” -Sun Tzu

Physical Security Measures

Access Control Systems

An access control system is a physical security measure that restricts and controls who can enter a building or specific areas within the building. It typically involves using credential-based systems such as key cards, PIN codes, biometric scanners like thumbprints or facial recognition technology, or credentials issued to authorized individuals. Such systems ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed entry into sensitive locations, enhancing overall facility security.

“Unauthorized access to a computer network or any other information storage medium for purposes of stealing data or causing damage is an act of cybercrime.” – Legal Dictionary

Surveillance Systems

Surveillance systems are another critical component of physical security measures, which could involve intrusion detection mechanisms, video monitoring, motion detectors, or audio surveillance tools that record and analyze activities in real-time. Surveillance cameras must be positioned where they can capture everyone entering a specified location, and when coupled with analytics, it allows officials to detect deviations from established routines and quickly act upon them.

“Europe’s largest benefit fraud case was uncovered thanks to “extraordinary work by digital forensic experts” examining CCTV footage that had been recorded over a five-year period. The team analysed more than 81 million images before linking it to fraudulent documents.” – BBC News

Perimeter Security

Perimeter security consists of several layers of protection around buildings’ boundaries or restricted zones, including gates, fences, walls, barriers, bollards, guard towers, etc., designed and installed to deter unauthorized intruders. A well-developed perimeter defense strategy has become increasingly essential, especially for sites requiring heightened security, such as military bases, nuclear power plants, or research labs.

“A concentrated effort involving greater collaboration between the public and private sector for surveillance, terrain mapping and verification of land holdings can help reduce the risk of encroachment and make specific the details around ownership…” – Security Magazine

Security Guards

The presence of security personnel within a facility is a crucial physical security measure that provides an added layer of safety. Their main responsibility includes performing patrols on a predetermined route to protect life and property, responding promptly to any alerts, monitoring cameras, checking access logs to detect signs of suspicious behavior. Additional function performed by security guards further include providing essential services such as opening and closing doors for staff and visitors.

“Security officers are often seen as the ‘eyes and ears’ of law enforcement in the fight against crime.” – Security Policy Document

In conclusion, using only one type of physical security measure could result in gaps which intruders or attackers may exploit. Any comprehensive security solution must be constructed from multiple components tailored to address particular risks associated with each location’s unique environment. In implementing critical measures including access control, surveillance systems, perimeter security, and trained security guards, facilities can ensure their infrastructure remains secure.

The Limitations of Physical Security

Cost

One major limitation of physical security is the cost it incurs. The implementation and maintenance of physical security measures such as CCTV cameras, access control systems, alarms, and security personnel require a significant financial investment. Many organizations may not have the necessary budget to install and maintain a comprehensive physical security system.

Moreover, the costs do not end with the initial setup but also increase with ongoing maintenance and upgrades needed to ensure the equipment remains up-to-date and functional. For instance, regular replacement of old surveillance cameras or hiring additional guards for increased coverage could add extra costs that many organizations may not be able to bear.

“Organizations should consider assessing their assets’ value and risk levels to determine which assets deserve more protection than others. Part of this evaluation involves deciding how much money the organization can spend on physical security measures.” -Timothy Layton

Human Error

No matter how efficient a physical security measure is, it’s only as strong as its weakest link- humans. In most cases, employees become the potential cause of security breaches due to either neglect or ignorance. They may forgetfully leave doors unlocked, misplace keys, share passwords, or fall victim to phishing scams, thereby causing data breaches.

In addition, human errors are usually not intentional, making them difficult to predict or prevent. A single lapse in judgment from an employee or even a contractor can lead to unauthorized access through physical means.

“The human element continues to remain a huge source of vulnerability in physical security setups. To mitigate these risks, companies need to drive awareness among their employees and take proactive steps to educate them about different threats, cybersecurity best practices, and good habits for daily security hygiene.” -Tony Buffomante

Technological Advances

Rapid technological advancements pose a significant challenge to physical security measures. Criminals and hackers are now leveraging advanced tools, techniques, and software vulnerabilities to bypass physical defenses such as perimeter walls or even biometric systems.

Moreover, the increased use of smartphones and wearable technology has made it easier for hackers and criminals to break into physical security systems; Bluetooth-enabled devices can successfully hack IoT locks that rely on wireless communication protocols, thereby jeopardizing all data stored within the system.

“Physical security measures alone cannot keep up with the ever-evolving threats posed by cyber-attacks. In addition to implementing effective cybersecurity solutions, companies must also remain agile and adaptable enough to stay ahead of potential threats.” -Wendy Hobein

While physical security is still an essential part of protecting data and assets against malicious actors, there are limitations to its effectiveness. Cost, human error, and advances in technology make it challenging to maintain comprehensive physical security measures without additional support from cybersecurity best practices, employee education programs and continued application of new technologies to help supplement these efforts. It’s important to note that no single security solution will be perfect, but instead organizations should focus on risk management strategies that prioritize layered security approaches incorporating both digital and physical controls.

Common Misconceptions About Physical Security

Physical Security is Infallible

It’s a common myth that physical security measures can completely eliminate the risk of unauthorized access or breaches. While high-quality physical security systems such as locks, alarms, and surveillance cameras can effectively deter intruders, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods.

Maintaining consistent levels of physical security requires ongoing diligence and regular updates to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in existing systems and protocols. No matter how robust the physical security setup may be, there will always be moments when human error comes into play. The only real way to mitigate security risks properly is by adopting a multi-layered approach and utilizing other secure measures like mandatory cybersecurity training for employees, complying with strict regulations regarding data handling, etc., alongside physical security.

“We have several databases that contain all personal information about Americans and foreigners that reside within the US borders; it’s impossible to keep them all safe.” -James Comey

Physical Security is Expensive

This misconception is also prevalent among many people. There is a common perception that securing a facility efficiently must involve expensive gadgets and technologies, making it only accessible to big corporates with substantial resources. However, this isn’t necessarily true! Physical security measures don’t have to be very expensive or hard-to-access to be effective.

There are cost-effective solutions businesses can use to implement strong physical security measures without breaking the bank. Some examples include simple access control systems using key cards or fobs instead of high-tech biometric systems, installing CCTV networks at strategic places rather than having many unmonitored cameras, restricting critical areas’ movement through partitioning walls altogether which costs less than commercial doors and gates.

“The price of security never goes down, but the cost of breaches only goes up. Every investment in security, when correctly made, directly equates to a reduction in future losses.” -Art Stewart

Physical Security is Only Necessary for High-Risk Entities

This misconception assumes that physical security is only important to large organizations or those handling highly sensitive data. However, every organization needs a high level of physical security, regardless of its size and industry.

Any facility that contains valuable goods, private information, or people requires adequate security measures in place. Small businesses are often victims of property thefts, and vandalism as there is an assumption amongst perpetrators that they will have minimal-to-non-existent security setups. Therefore, implementing physical security measures can significantly reduce retail shrinkage, break-ins, and employee theft rates.

“Small business owners tend to think small and think their companies may not be potential targets; nothing could be further from the truth. Proper protection of key assets with video surveillance technology isn’t just for big-box stores anymore” -Bobbie Swafford-Johnson

It’s vital to note that physically securing your premises does not guarantee 100% safety from all threats. Still, combining various techniques and technologies strengthens overall security by providing extra layers of defense against different types of crimes. It’s essential to invest in reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions that meet your specific requirements while complying with relevant regulatory mandates across industries.

Non-Physical Security Measures

When it comes to securing a facility or organization, many people immediately think about locks, cameras, and other tangible security measures. However, non-physical security measures are just as important in keeping assets safe from harm. In this article, we will focus on several non-physical security measures that every organization should implement.

Cybersecurity

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever before. Hackers can infiltrate an organization’s network and steal sensitive information if proper cybersecurity measures are not in place. This includes everything from firewalls and antivirus software to employee training on email phishing scams and password protocols.

“Cybersecurity is much more than just protecting your computer. It’s about protecting the privacy of individuals.” – Barack Obama

One common way hackers gain access to a company’s data is through employees who inadvertently click on links or download attachments containing malware. Comprehensive cybersecurity measures include regular updates to hardware and software, routine backups of system data, and secure user authentication protocols.

Beyond technical solutions, companies must also incorporate awareness-raising programs aimed at getting employees to prioritize cybersecurity and understand their own roles in mitigating cyber threats. Trainings such as those that offer education and simulation exercises can ensure all staff learn how to prevent unauthorized access points into the company’s systems, improving overall security.

Employee Training

Employee training is a vital non-physical security measure because humans are often the weakest link in any security plan. Regular training for employees on topics such as emergency response plans, handling confidential information, identifying suspicious behavior and enforcing effective physical, or even mental health protocols ensures that institutional safety standards remain maintained.

“The best security system in the world is useless if nobody knows how to use it.” – David Kennedy

Training should also cover basic security hygiene measures such as locking computer screens, securing confidential information and physical possessions, or managing the flow of visitors in a facility. Additionally, regular testing of response plans to feedback regarding each training program’s effectiveness help instill policies that employees will follow.

Background Checks

An important non-physical security measure is conducting background checks prior to hiring potential employees. This can identify whether an applicant has a criminal record or questionable associations that could compromise organizational safety.

“A comprehensive background check is a critical tool for identifying individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety.” – Dianne Feinstein

A thorough pre-screening process helps ensure that all new hires have been vetted, helping avoid liabilities related to negligent hiring practices. In addition to traditional background checks companies may opt to include drug screening, extensive reference checks or even electronic project-oriented skills assessments.

• The Basic: Criminal records history both at federal and state levels including felonies and misdemeanors.
• Credential verification: Confirmations on statements made by applicants regarding employment history (duration, job title and job description), identity and educational degrees earned from recognized institutions.
• Financial history: A credit report examining an applicant’s financial management habits/payment habits, etc.
• Workplace violence: Conducts evaluations based on candidate interview sessions against certain criteria which are highly suggestive of future violence behavior.
• Social networking: Review of the social media accounts of potential new hires can provide insight into their personality traits or proclivities for inappropriate conduct.

To become fully protected against security threats, organizations should implement physical and non-physical security measures. Cybersecurity, employee training programs, and background checks are several effective ways of enhancing the safety of any facility or organization.

Why Non-Physical Security Measures Are Important

Risks of Cyber Attacks

Cybercrime has become a major threat in today’s world. Hackers can infiltrate company networks and steal sensitive information such as customer data, financial records, and business strategies. This significant risk emphasizes the importance of implementing non-physical security measures. These measures include setting strong passwords that are frequently changed, updating software regularly, backing up systems, and encrypting data.

The rise of cyber attacks also raises the need for employee education on best practices when it comes to handling digital information. In 2019, Verizon found that phishing scams accounted for 32% of all data breaches. Educating employees on how to detect and avoid these types of scams can significantly reduce the risk of potential data breaches caused by human error.

“The frequency, severity, and sophistication of cyber attacks continue to increase… Organizations’ threats require an approach more sophisticated than what was able to protect them several years back.” -Jon Oltsik, Senior Principal Analyst at ESG

Insider Threats

Not all security risks come from outside entities; insider threats also pose a significant risk to companies across industries. An insider threat is any individual with access to sensitive information who intentionally or unintentionally misuses that access. For example, an employee with access to trade secrets may disclose them to a competitor for personal gain or unknowingly fall for a social engineering attack aimed at stealing valuable data.

To mitigate this risk, companies must implement policies and security measures restricting access to confidential information based on employee roles. Additionally, identifying red flags early on and constantly monitoring activity within their infrastructure through logs, video surveillance, or active directory audits are necessary steps to minimize insider threats.

“An insider threat can take on multiple meanings, but in recent years the term has grown to include any employee or contractor who misuses or steals confidential company data.” -Davey Winder, Security Analyst at zdnet

Prevention of Intellectual Property Theft

Intellectual property (IP) theft is a leading concern for companies worldwide. Stolen IP can significantly damage profitability and result in costly legal battles.

In addition to physical security measures such as locks and access control systems, companies must put in place non-physical safeguards to protect their intellectual property. These could include keeping sensitive information encrypted, restricting social media use, running comprehensive background checks on employees with access to proprietary data, and using watermarking technology that tracks each document’s usage.

“Companies should review all processes associated with valuable business information to “prevent breaches by preventing them from happening in the first place through improving overall protection efforts.” -Alana J. Muller, author, and entrepreneur

Non-physical security measures are now more important than ever before. Companies which implement robust policies and security measures that safeguard against cybersecurity threats, insider threats and help prevent intellectual property theft not only mitigate risks and reduce operational disruptions but also prevent significant losses.

Frequently Asked Questions