What is Physical Security?
Physical security refers to measures and strategies that protect the organization’s people, property, and assets from physical threats such as theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks. While this form of security is distinct from electronic measures, the two are increasingly integrated to ensure comprehensive physical safety and digital security.
Importance
Physical security has been a concern since the dawn of civilization, so physical security solutions continued to evolve. Security guards and night watchmen were in high demand during the Industrial Revolution. Modern surveillance systems and access controls replaced 20th-century traditional locks and alarms. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital security risk assessments, and cybersecurity integrations are transforming the current business landscape.
While physical security systems have changed over the centuries, the purpose has remained the same. These measures enable organizations to reduce vulnerabilities, proactively handle threats, and quickly resume operations after disruptions. Consequently, companies that can safeguard their people and assets are deemed more trustworthy, increasing their competitive edge in the market.
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Personnel and Response Systems
Human security personnel (e.g., onsite security guards, mobile patrols, and emergency response teams) complement the technological measures implemented by the organization. This component lends flexibility, judgment, and rapid response during a breach or emergency.
Best Practices
Numerous business leaders report an increase in physical security accidents in 2023. Even employees verbalize their worries, with one out of seven saying they dont feel safe in their workplace. These highlight the urgent need for effective physical security measures. The following are some of the best practices that can alleviate the usual concerns:
Conduct regular physical security risk assessments.
Assessing risks routinely enables companies to identify vulnerabilities and emerging threats in the security setup. It also aids in tailoring solutions to specific risks based on location, industry, and assets.
Integrate physical and digital security systems.
Managing disparate systems can be problematic. Whenever the company invests in new technology, its best to integrate these into a unified security platform, improving oversight and allowing real-time response to incidents.
Provide comprehensive employee training.
Safety training should be included in the physical security policy to minimize human error, prevent piggybacking, and eradicate insider threats. Aside from comprehensive onboarding, conducting periodic refreshers keeps security a top priority among workers.
FAQs About Physical Security
Depending on the size and complexity of the company, physical security falls under the purview of several individuals or departments:
- The chief security officer (CSO) oversees all policies and procedures.
- IT experts handle cybersecurity and integrations of digital and physical solutions.
- Human resources manage employee training.
Yes. Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP) from ASIS International are widely recognized credentials. These indicate proficiency in fundamental security principles, risk management, and emergency planning.
Physical security measures should be reviewed at least annually, although more is recommended depending on the company’s risk profile and industry standards. If there are significant changes in operations and recent security breaches or natural disasters, an audit should be conducted immediately.
While traditional measures such as barriers, signage, and controlled access work, digital solutions provide another layer of protection and enable security teams to respond in real time. Here are some examples:
- IoT sensors detect motion, temperature, and unauthorized access in restricted areas
- Physical security information management (PSIM) systems centralize security data into a single platform, bolstering situational awareness
- AI-drive analytics help identify and evaluate potential threats captured on surveillance
Eunice Arcilla Caburao
