There’s the potential for hackers. Stolen data. Active shooter situations. Theft and burglaries. And wrongdoers are always on the lookout for potential vulnerabilities for getting whatever it is they seek. This might include hacking into your WiFi network or physically breaking into your facility via a perceived weak point of entry.
With all this being said, are you doing what it takes to protect your business, both from physical and cyber threats? Contrary to what many people believe, cyber security and physical security are both equally important when it comes to safeguarding your company’s confidential information and keeping workers safe. And these days, the two types of security are becoming more blended than ever thanks to an ever more connected workspace.
The Importance of Physical Security
Though taking the proper cyber security measures seem to be getting the bulk of attention these days, you can’t downplay the importance of ensuring optimal physical building security either. Usually when it comes to cyber security measures, you’re working to protect your data, but when it comes to physical security, you’re protecting your data, your people and your property from potential threats. Yes, the importance of physical security cannot be downplayed.
There are physical security basics that you should already have in place, such as internal and externally located surveillance cameras, an access control system, fire alarms and audio detection alarms. Then, there are some other more advanced physical security measures you can take, such as having ballistics glass or containment glass integrated in your facility’s windows. Ballistics glass is essentially bulletproof glass, designed to stop gunshots and prevent breakage when under other situations of extreme force. Containment glass is designed to withstand force from one or more would-be attackers. In addition to the essentials, reinforced glass is something worth considering – especially if your facility is deemed a high-risk entity (i.e., police station, government building, etc.).
The Importance of Cyber Security
Interestingly enough, the worlds of cyber and physical security are becoming more blended by the day. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2020, about 22 billion devices will be Internet connected. These include the likes of door locks and security cameras. Hence, it’s important to safeguard your network not just to ensure that confidential information isn’t at risk, but also so certain physical security features don’t become manipulated.
Certainly, you should have a team of IT professionals keeping pace with changes in online security and technology, but there are other things that you can do to safeguard your facility. One thing you can do is install a protective window shield as part of your network’s distributed antenna system (DAS). These window films can be installed so that it stops the WiFi signal from extending beyond your facility’s walls, thereby preventing any outsiders from accessing it. Proper device encryption should also be performed on all WiFi-enabled devices, as encryption makes it more difficult for hackers to “listen in” and intercept keystrokes that could result in a data breach. RF shielding is another strategy to be aware of.
Any type of security breach has the potential to be devastating for a company. It can result in lost consumer confidence and trust, costly downtime or the elimination of data that’s crucial to business operations. It’s why you should be covering all of your bases when it comes to safeguarding your company – and physical and cyber security are both key, equally important areas you want to pay attention to.
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