Physical Security
Physical security is a combination of physical and procedural measures that protect your personnel, information, and assets from threats. It works alongside the other security areas — personnel, information handling, and communications.
Benefits of physical security
Section titled “Benefits of physical security”Strong physical security helps you:
- Keep your personnel, customers, and the public safe
- Prevent unauthorised access to your premises, information, and assets
- Maintain the confidence of those you serve or work with
- Deliver services without disruption during a heightened threat or disaster
Threats to physical security
Section titled “Threats to physical security”Threats can come from inside or outside your organisation — visitors, contractors, the public, or external groups. They apply to personnel working in the office and away from it, particularly when working alone.
- Crime, including personal and property crime
- Workplace violence, such as assaults, harassment, and revenge attacks
- Civil disturbances, such as protests and riots
- Natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and pandemics
- Industrial disasters, such as explosions, building fires, and structural collapses
- Terrorist acts, such as bombings, extortion, “white powder” incidents, and kidnappings
- Other risks, such as disturbed people and traffic accidents
Breaches can also be accidental. If personnel do not recognise the risk of tailgating, they can allow unauthorised people into secure areas.