When it comes to the security of your business, building, or facility, there are a lot of details to consider. Because every facility is different, comprehensive security solutions will vary and need to be customized to a specific facility. With that in mind, there are some rules and mistakes that can be applied relatively generally. Here are a few common security mistakes businesses make:

Mistake #1 – Never Getting a Custom Site Assessment

Although there are some general security rules that apply to a broad range of facilities, sticking to only the standard applications is a mistake that can leave your building vulnerable. Every facility is going to have different areas, layouts, traffic patterns, and more that need to be considered for comprehensive building security.

In order to get a comprehensive security solution for your facility and operations, it’s foundational to get a custom site assessment. An assessment that is customized and focused on your business will take into account your industry and operations, examine the building layout and physical elements, and accounts for any special security concerns and solutions you may need.

Mistake #2 – Not Having Enough Security

One of the biggest security mistakes businesses make is not having enough security. If a custom site assessment is never done, there can be vulnerabilities and gaps in building security that are left unidentified and unaddressed.

Sometimes, even when vulnerabilities or gaps are identified, coverage for them may not be prioritized or sufficient. In many cases, gaps in security are not identified until an incident occurs, which can be costly in several ways.

Not having enough security can be caused by solutions or systems that are missing completely from your building security, and also from anything that is installed incorrectly or in the wrong place. There are several ways to improve building security; identifying and covering gaps that leave your building vulnerable is one of the most important.

Mistake #3 – Ignoring Cybersecurity

Although it can involve physical security measures, data protection is also more than that. With criminal cyber attacks occurring every 39 seconds on average, if your business is ignoring cybersecurity, it’s a serious high-risk gap in your business’s security.

On top of that, as more and more security systems become more integrated and come online, poor cybersecurity can result in real negative consequences for your physical security measures as well.

Weak passwords are responsible for 81% of cybersecurity breaches. Creating complex passwords, changing passwords regularly, using 2-factor authentication, using password managers, and more can all help secure data and systems.

Making sure your network is secure and any server or technology rooms are physically secure and monitored can also help prevent breaches. This is why server rooms and other high-value areas are some of the best places to install security cameras in your business.

Mistake #4 – Poor Installation of Products and Systems

When it comes to the security of your business and your building, you don’t want to leave things to chance or to inexperience. The best security systems in the world can be made ineffective by poor or improper installation or integration.

Even if they are in the right area, security cameras pointed in the wrong direction or angled incorrectly won’t capture the footage you need. The wrong types of surveillance cameras for the environment you are trying to monitor also won’t capture the footage you need. Physical security products that are not installed well can become easily damaged or removed.

There are several benefits of integrated security systems, but your products and systems have to be installed and integrated properly to take advantage of those benefits. Systems that aren’t integrated properly won’t communicate with each other effectively, which can cause issues with video surveillance, alert systems, access control, and more. This can be caused by installer error and it can also sometimes be caused by having multiple vendors installing pieces of a system individually.

All of these situations and more can create serious vulnerabilities and gaps in your security. Choosing the right security systems integrator can remove a lot of this risk and ensure you get proper installation, smooth integration, and peace of mind that your building is secure.

Mistake #5 – Lack of Regular Maintenance, Review, and Updates

Even if you are able to manage all of your security remotely or from an online dashboard, regular maintenance and updates are still important. Plus, online security systems still rely on physical security products to effectively monitor your facility. Access control system maintenance is a prime example of good maintenance including physical and digital components as well as online and offline features.

All of these components require regular maintenance and updates to continue working as effectively as possible to keep your building monitored and secured. These are basic best practices for managing and maintaining security systems and why one of the common security mistakes businesses make is forgoing regular maintenance on their system.

Paired with that is often a lack of regularly reviewing building security and updating security technology and products when needed. Not only can this lead to damage and breakdowns, but it can also make your security system outdated while allowing new threats and vulnerabilities to your facility to remain unaddressed. There may be security features you didn’t know your business needed.

Instead, you can work with a security systems integrator that can help you customize security for your facility, get the right mix of security products and systems, install them correctly, and also maintain and update them regularly to keep everything working seamlessly.

On top of that, they can regularly review your building and operations with you to make sure evolving threats are addressed and any new potential gaps in security are managed appropriately.

Mistake #6 – Not Identifying or Addressing Other Workplace Hazards

A comprehensive security solution for your business also includes identifying and addressing common workplace hazards. Things like poor lighting, wet floors, malfunctioning equipment, and more can all compromise the safety and security of people in your building.

In the United States, a worker is injured on the job every 7 seconds. This underlines the need to identify and address workplace hazards in addition to overall facility security. For example, emergency exits should be secure, available, and accessible, all necessary safety gear should be supplied to employees, proper lighting should be installed in stairways and hallways, and more.

These are just a few common security mistakes businesses make. Your business or facility doesn’t have to be vulnerable to them. Partnering with an experienced, reputable security systems integrator can help conduct a building vulnerability assessment and help you get the comprehensive security your facility needs.

If you’re looking to review or update your building’s security, contact NEPPS at 800-736-1456 for a free site assessment!