4 Top Physical Security Threats to Your Business

Many organizations are concerned about cyber-security threats. As a result, businesses have invested a lot of money to bolster their digital defenses. However, poor physical security remains a serious threat to business operations. Lack of proper physical security can lead to document loss and legal problems.



This guide explores some physical threats your business needs to pay attention to. Read on to learn more.

1. Tailgating

Tailgating is when an unauthorized person walks behind authorized personnel to gain access to secured areas. The breach can be accidental or deliberate. Generally, tailgating will succeed if your employees are not alert or there are no security guards to secure your business.

For instance, you may have installed a biometric scanner to control access to your servers. Criminals will wait for an authorized employee to use the biometric scanner and then walk behind the employee to enter the secured area. The employee might assume that the criminal is another authorized personnel. Unfortunately, the criminal may make away with money, intellectual property, or sensitive data.

Therefore, you should implement physical security measures to deter tailgating. One approach is to install doors that close quickly or revolve. Video surveillance and security guards can also identify and stop unfamiliar personnel at the doors. 

2. Unaccounted Visitors

Many people are likely to visit your business premises at various times of the day. Ideally, you should know the identities and activities of every visitor. However, criminals can take advantage of your business's weak security to enter and leave the premises unnoticed.

Unaccounted visitors can compromise your business's operations in many ways. For instance, they can steal documents or install spying devices. Also, the visitors can leave with products without paying. 

Fortunately, your business can use several strategies to account for all guests. Visitor pass cards or tags are an affordable way to know every visitor to your business premises. You can also hire a security guard and train your employees about physical security. 

3. Stolen Employee Identification 

Criminals can impersonate your employees and gain access to your business premises. The impersonator can then steal sensitive information or engage in violence. Other impersonators can even sabotage your business operations. 

Consequently, it would be best if you implemented strong employee identification measures. Firstly, all employees must have identity cards that indicate the employee's vital information, such as name and picture. Since criminals may attempt to duplicate the identification card, you need to implement extra security features like real-time verification and proximity scanning. 

4. Social Engineering

Social engineering has become synonymous with cyber-attacks, but thieves can also use the strategy to gain entry into your business premises. Simply put, social engineering occurs when a criminal tricks your employee and acquires sensitive information or gains unauthorized entry into your office or store. These criminals take advantage of common human traits, such as trust.

The coffee trick is a common social engineering strategy. In this version, an unauthorized person will walk toward a secure area with cups of coffee in both hands. A nearby employee will open or hold the door as a gesture of politeness.

While social engineering manifests in various ways, you can take measures to protect your employees. For instance, you can organize regular team-building activities in which employees get to know everyone who works in your organization. Another strategy is to share the latest social engineering tricks with your employees.

Protect Your Business Premises

Criminals can use a myriad of ways to gain unauthorized access to your business. Therefore, you need to introduce robust security features. For example, you can contact All State Security 1, Inc, to provide armed security guards. We are a leading security services provider in Kent, WA. Contact us to get a security solution that fits your budget and needs.