The Importance of NOT Doing a Cookie Cutter Physical Security Assessment

Taking a generic, cookie-cutter approach towards a Physical Security Assessment may seem faster and more cost-effective, but it will lead your Client to a false sense of security and vulnerable to threats. To build a complete and successful you need to ensure that it is built to the Client’s specific standard operating procedures and needs in their unique environment. Even if you are completing multiple assessments for the same company, you must create an exclusive assessment for each unique location. For example, a business located in the southeastern US is an area susceptible to hurricanes, while the same company in the mid-west will be more susceptible to tornadoes and snowstorms.   It is imperative to evaluate the unique location, technology used, building structure, and external factors when developing an effective Physical Security Assessment.

Every Company’s location presents a different environment with unique challenges. This can include the larger scale surrounding environment, such as being in a city versus a more rural location. On a smaller level, it will also include the type of vegetation surrounding the property or the presence of a body of water. Every location will have different challenges that will need to be considered and evaluated.

The sophistication level of technology used in each location can vary depending on the age of the structure, assets, and budget. Technology is a great tool to have, but it is imperative that is used correctly. The onsite CSO can also influence the security of the facility. One site may have a newer CSO that is still learning the proper placement and deployment of the security tools while another site, within the same company, may have a seasoned CSO, that has an in-depth knowledge of the proper policies, procedures, and employment of the security team, but may lack the knowledge or training on current technological tools.

The structure, or makeup, of the building, will also influence the recommendations shared in a Physical Security Assessment. A building that has a metal exterior presents different challenges compared to a large concrete building, or one that has many large glass windows. The size of a building, and if the building is by itself, or attached to other buildings all need to be accounted for in the assessment as well.

While the actual physical space of a location is paramount when developing a Physical Threat Assessment, the external factors of a location must also be considered. Those external factors such as the area’s crime rates must be uniquely assessed. The types of surrounding businesses and residences can also influence your assessment. If your business is located near a biker bar or adult nightclub, they tend to have a reputation for attracting nefarious characters.

A Company’s hours of operation are another important factor to consider. The assessor needs to be aware if the building has people in it working 24-hours a day or just during normal business hours. Many environments change after dark. A busy industrial area during the day can turn into a quiet, “ghost town” at night.

General guidelines or a canned checklist can be a useful starting point, helping to ensure all aspects of the assessments are covered. Be aware as you progress through the assessment, there will be things that must be adapted and accounted for with the specific Company’s needs in mind.

There are numerous reasons to avoid taking the cookie-cutter approach while conducting a physical security assessment. By using a cookie-cutter approach, you leave your clients open to threats and fail to live up to your promise to provide a quality product. As a client, be aware of security vendors that provide a cookie-cutter approach to your security assessment. Not all assessments are equal and a tailored assessment, unique to the organization will provide a useful tool to the Client and protect their assets.

For more information or questions, please contact us at: https://www.fc-llc.org/contact-us/