Security is constantly at the forefront of people’s minds these days. It’s particularly crucial for businesses because they need to protect not only their physical, financial, and intellectual assets but also their employees, vendors, distributors, and customers. Though the focus here tends to revolve around online security at this point, physical security is just as important.
When it comes to physical security, numerous factors come into play. Those include all the measures companies have in place to protect themselves. Quite a few psychological aspects also enter the mix. They can greatly impact the effectiveness of businesses’ security strategies. Understanding those and how they go hand in hand with physical security measures, such as the Genetec Security Center, is essential.
Contents
The Perception of Security
For one, the way people perceive a business’s security plays a role in how effective its efforts truly are. In many cases, perception is even more important than practice. For example, having visible security features in place, like cameras, alarms, and roaming guards, can be a powerful tool. It may be enough to discourage wrongdoers. On the other hand, hidden security cameras and guards who remain behind closed doors often give wrongdoers a false sense of security. That, in turn, can translate to major vulnerabilities for businesses.
The Effects of Predictability
Businesses thrive on routines and predictability. Having set schedules and protocols bolsters efficiency, productivity, employee morale, and an array of other aspects. That being said, it can sometimes leave companies vulnerable to physical attacks. Wrongdoers often watch the businesses they plan to attack to find patterns and schedules. That allows them to find weaknesses and opportune times and ways to carry out their intentions. Because of that, it’s important to change things up from time to time. That could include altering security sweeps, routinely changing passwords, and other measures to add a bit of unpredictability to the mix.
Designing Spaces Based on Behavioral Patterns
Additionally, the basic layout and design of a space can influence its vulnerability. Having an open floor plan minimizes blind spots, which can deter wrongdoers. Installing ample lighting eliminates shadows and gives intruders fewer places to hide. Those are only a few simple examples. The fewer opportunities intruders see, the less likely they are to attack. That can make a major difference in a business’s susceptibility.
Control and Empowerment
Businesses can also empower their employees to foster their security. This entails thorough training on security procedures and encouraging employees to speak out if they see something that doesn’t seem quite right. Giving employees control over their own safety as well as the company’s security can go a long way toward thwarting crime. Companies should constantly reinforce those ideas to keep them at the forefront of their employees’ minds as well. Employees are a business’s greatest asset, and that concept extends to maintaining security.
Ramping Up Physical Security From a Psychological Perspective
Keeping crimes at bay is essential for businesses, and physical security measures are a crucial component of the process. To create an effective physical security strategy, though, it’s important to understand how the human mind works. That’s the case from the perspective of potential wrongdoers as well as employees. These factors mentioned here can help companies strengthen their physical security. They discourage wrongdoers from several angles while empowering employees to be vigilant and proactive in deterring theft, vandalism, and other crimes.
