Workplace security measures are more important than ever, as the impact and nature of crime continues to evolve into the digital age. With businesses standing to lose billions every year via vandalism, fraud, outright theft, and even loss of intellectual property, it’s important for proprietors to take a comprehensive approach. UVS is an Australian security company that can help, offering full spectrum protection against financial loss and reduced productivity.
An important distinction in business crime prevention
Safety is protection from unintentional harm such as human errors, environmental hazards, or dangers introduced by a suboptimal floor plan (e.g. poor access to fire exits). On the other hand, security addresses intentional harm, which ranges from physical criminal activity on your premises to remote cyberattacks.
Safety and security best practices as a whole illustrate that a business cannot truly be secure without addressing both. A security guard is capable of deterring physical criminal activity, but cannot answer for poor planning around footflow with implications on employee safety in an emergency scenario.
Common Workplace Risks in Australia
Threats to businesses in Australia range from physical to digital, and can affect everything from assets to equipment or even sensitive information. The most notable threats include:
- Unauthorised access
- Theft of burglary
- Workplace violence
- Property damage and vandalism
- Natural disasters
- Ransom- or malware
- Phishing and social engineering scams
- Account hijacking
- Insider threats or leaking
Modern Solutions to Threats
Most providers offer three main solutions to contemporary threats, often referred to as the core of modern protection. Let’s go over these below.
Visitor management systems (VMS)
VMS are digital platforms that effectively replace conventional logbooks, with additional functionalities including ID verification, pre-registration, and real-time tracking of guests. VMS is a way to ensure only authorised visitors are on the premises, as well as provide accurate Who’s In reporting in emergency scenarios.
Access control systems (ACS)
An evolution of traditional key and keycard access, ACS utilises mobile credentials and even biometrics to define who can enter specific areas on the premises and when. This not only saves on rekeying and lock maintenance costs, but has the added benefit of reviewable entry audit trails.
Surveillance technologies
Modern emergency preparedness encompasses not just standard recording technologies, but the use of AI-driven video analytics as well. This allows for the detection of unusual behaviours on the premises and provides facial recognition, both of which can be leveraged into retroactive reviews or integrated with supporting systems to set up real-time alerts. This shifts the nature of onsite security from passive to proactive.
Creating a Culture of Security
It pays to go beyond basic safety drills and employee safety training, instead taking opportunities to educate and build awareness around evolving threats. As the first line of defence, employees should be able to quickly recognise phishing threats, as an example. But proprietors should also do their part to promote safe behaviours, such as clean desk policies and the proper use of ACS systems. This culture of preparedness and vigilance will drastically reduce not only companywide vulnerability, but human error as well.
