SECURITY QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING SPRING “CLEANING”
For many businesses, part of Spring Cleaning involves taking stock of their security needs and implementing upgrades, changes, and improvements. In many cases however, business owners aren’t sure exactly what to look at (or what questions to ask) to get the most out of their security solutions. To help make this assessment easier, we have compiled a list of important areas businesses should focus on, as well as threat assessment questions to ask.
CCTV: IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK
CCTV coverage is a security component most businesses employ. Unfortunately, just having cameras visible does not always deter bad actors. Ensuring they are in a position to provide valuable intelligence is crucial to getting the most out of your system.
When analyzing your CCTV system, consider the following:
- Do you have cameras at every major entrance and exit?
- Do you have cameras that can observe key traffic points where people must come and go from important locations?
- Are these cameras all online and performing as expected?
- Are any obscured?
- Are they all positioned correctly?
- Are there license plate reading capabilities?
- Are there motion detectors?
- Are faces clear day and night?
- How are their night vision features (or do they not have night vision)?
AUDIO AND INTERCOMS
You also need to consider your audio surveillance if you have an intercom system that you use for security. Many new intercoms come with both video and audio capabilities, but oftentimes security auditors neglect to take the audio component into account when they perform their assessment.
When analysing your audio capabilities, consider the following:
- Are your intercoms functioning well?
- Do people have trouble understanding each other?
- Is the intercom interface easy to understand and use when necessary?
- Is it linked to your video system so that the two work easily together?
Aiphone® and other companies have integrated audio and video that can tie in to access control so you can “buzz” people in once you have checked them out.
ENTRY POINTS
Controlling access to key entry points is crucial for any business that wants to maintain an effective layer of security. Entry points simply refer to any access point into your building, whether it be through a window, door, garage, or other opening.
As you analyze your entry points, make sure to take the following into account:
- Do you have doors and windows that are properly secured by locks or other means?
- What is the quality of your locks – can they be forced open or broken through?
- Can the locks be bypassed by other means, such as breaking a window?
- Are there any signs of warping, rust, or other types of deterioration on your locks or doors?
- Do you have sensors and alarms that can detect broken glass and other types of broken seals or contacts?
- Are they working correctly?
- When was the last time your keys were audited?
KEYS AND OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS
Maintaining access control processes and systems is just as crucial (if not moreso) as having a good lock on the door. Systems you employ should include key control processes, audits, and other procedures designed to ensure people don’t get into areas they are not authorized to enter.
When auditing your access control processes, keep the following in mind:
- When was the last time your key control process was audited?
- If you use codes and keypads, are the keypads functioning correctly?
- When was the last time you changed your codes?
- Does your system have any particular problems (like ceasing to function in poor weather)?
EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT
Keeping track of the areas employees have access to, as well as training them on processes and security awareness can have a massive impact on the safety and security of your business. When properly trained, employees can provide valuable security insights, information, and even deter potential incidents.
Questions to keep in mind when assessing employee security awareness:
- Have you asked employees if they have noticed any problems with your security system?
- Do employees know what to do in case of an emergency on the premises?
- Do employees know signs of potential security risks?
Interested in improving security or finding new solutions? We can help with that! Call us at The Flying Locksmiths today and find out more about what services we can provide!