Physical site security assessment guide

Facilities face endless security risks, including vandalism and theft, on-site security breaches, rogue or mentally unstable employees and even terrorism. Whether you own or manage hotels, office space, retail operations or residential buildings, securing your building is more important than ever.

An in-depth security risk assessment and analysis are the first steps in effective site security planning. This guide will help you determine the likelihood and consequences of a security issue or gap, and help you prioritize the appropriate protective actions to take. Although security needs are unique for each organization, identifying the assets that need to be protected will determine the proper level of security. 

Identifying your assets is also a critical part in this overall assessment. People assets include more than just the employees. They also include visitors, contractors, the surrounding community and others associated with the business operation. Property assets range from building, machinery and utilities to operations, equipment and systems. Informational assets are computer systems, processes and confidential business and employee information. 

The various assessments presented in this guide are designed to help you identify the risks and target vulnerable assets in each category. Potential threats range from break-ins and thefts to previously overlooked risks of terrorism, espionage and sabotage.