When you’re dealing with the security of a building or site it’s important to assess and deal with any potential security vulnerabilities. Sites change and new staff come on board. Therefore, threat and risk assessments should be undertaken annually to ensure all vulnerable areas are covered.
With modern security and CCTV systems buildings are generally seen as safe from intruders. However, we’ve put together five key areas that are vulnerable to unauthorised access.
Out of Date Security Systems
Security technology has advanced considerably in recent years and it’s essential that your systems are kept as up to date as possible. Intruders will use any potential issues or access points to break into the building and modern systems make this much more difficult. For instance, the latest CCTV monitoring systems use high resolution, live images and can be accessed remotely. They also have more advanced motion sensor and smart technology to detect unauthorised access quickly. With the installation of an up-to-date security monitoring system, you save time, money and stress.
Unmonitored Security Systems
As dangerous to your security as an out-of-date system is one that isn’t monitored effectively. There is no point having the latest surveillance technology in place if no one is alerted to any potential threats. Businesses often think that it’s a cost saving exercise to have the presence of security systems but not provide the man power to monitor them. However, this becomes a costly mistake if intruders gain access. Where there is a breech on site, security guards are quickly alerted through a monitored system and will attend quickly. This minimises the cost and disruption to the business.
Glass Doors and Security Vulnerabilities
Often the first thought when designing a building is how aesthetically pleasing it is and the security is seen as less important. Large glass sections, including doors and barriers, may look minimalist and modern, but they don’t create a high security presence. They are easy to break and gain entry through. Where glass sections are used, they should be fitted with glass break sensors to raise the alarm to any intruders. Motion sensors and toughened glass are also effective safety considerations.
Door Gaps
The thinnest gaps and breaks in your security system will be manipulated by criminals to gain access to a building. This includes the gaps between doors that you might not even notice. They will exploit these and slip through undetected by the motion sensors, which don’t always monitor the gaps. It’s essential to ensure there is a high degree of sensitivity in your motion sensor system and check that areas close to door gaps are properly monitored.
Inadequate Staff Training
Even the best and most expensive security system won’t be effective if the staff using it aren’t properly trained. This includes everyone from the security guards patrolling the premises and monitoring the CCTV systems, through to reception staff allowing access to visitors and locking doors and windows. All employees should understand the basic security precautions they should be taking, which will differ from building to building. This should be part of their initial induction / training and refreshed at various points throughout the year.
Whatever type of system you have in place, you can never be 100% safe from any security vulnerabilities. However, a correctly installed and monitored system, with correctly trained staff in place, will certainly limit the risks to the business.