Security Matters

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Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Security?

Reflections On The Twentieth Anniversary Of The 9/11 Terror Attacks 

Security is always a good thing, right? As with any good thing, there can be too much of it.

In an effort to keep your business, hospital or community safe, it’s possible to go overboard. Too much security could do more harm than good.

Finding the right balance is crucial to ensuring optimal security without affecting the day-to-day activities of employees, customers and/or residents.

It Can Create A Security Arrogance

People tend to feel almost complacent about their security when you have numerous security guards, security cameras and electronic entrances. While they should feel safe, you want them to still take notice of what’s going on around them.

They might not notice someone stealing right under their nose if they feel too comfortable. Or, if people do notice, they’ll ignore it and just assume a security guard sees it too. Even with an overabundance of security, it’s still possible to miss some things.

An example of security making people feel too comfortable is anti-counterfeiting measures in currency. With the Canadian $100 bill, people felt the security measures were so secure that they didn’t need to double-check their bills to ensure they were legitimate, despite being warned to check.

When people see something odd or suspicious, they should be encouraged to report it to a manager or security guard. Only when everyone works together can you have the most secure environment possible.

Security Can Get In The Way

A common problem with too much security is the security guards can actually get in the way. For instance, a small location with five security guards milling about could interfere with customers and employees trying to go about their regular activities. Security shouldn’t be a nuisance that negatively affects your business.

Another issue is adding in too many layers of security. For example, having guards visually inspect identification, then requiring employees to scan their ID to open the door and scan yet again to access their office is cumbersome and unnecessary. The entire process takes valuable time from their day.

Security Is Often Too Intimidating

Of course, too much security becomes a problem when it starts to become intimidating. For instance, students fear a lockdown culture as suggestions are being made to add bulletproof glass, armed guards and electronic entries in schools after the Parkland, FL school shooting.

People who aren’t doing anything wrong shouldn’t feel afraid or intimidated by your security measures. They should feel safer. Having heavily armed guards walking the hallways of your office building might make employees a little edgy.

Carefully consider how security affects everyone. If it’s too intimidating, it might drive people away.

Add Or Enhance Remote Security Monitoring

Remote guarding services can add to your security without adding bodies. If quarters are tight at your location or you prefer your protection to be invisible or at least a little more subtle, a few internet-enabled cameras monitored by security professionals may be the ideal solution. Remote security monitoring by a service such as BOS Security’s VirtuGuard™ can secure your location while giving you plenty of bang for your security buck.

It’s Impossible To Prevent Every Security Event

No matter how many layers of security you have, it’s impossible to anticipate any possible security issue. For instance, even if you have your entire business on lockdown physically, a cybercriminal could still hack into your security or surveillance system and shut it down to allow an accomplice to break in. Or, while you’ve got guards watching the doors, cybercriminals could be breaching your network and stealing valuable data.

In an ideal situation, an abundance of security would mean a 100% secure environment at all times. Sadly, this doesn’t work. Security guards aren’t invincible, and cameras can malfunction or may not be at that perfect angle at the right time.

Adding more security after every small incident won’t solve the problem. It could even hurt your business or intimidate employees, customers and / or residents. Additional training for existing guards may be better than hiring more guards. Talk to your security solution provider about how many guards you need to be fully protected.

Finding The Right Balance Is Essential

No one is suggesting you shouldn’t take security seriously. However, if you only have a three-room business, you probably don’t need a dozen security guards and surveillance cameras. One or two guards along with four or five carefully placed cameras provide ideal security without getting in the way of employees or customers.

Take into consideration your location, the surrounding area and its current crime rate. How likely is it you will encounter minor or major security incidents? What is the value of your property/data? How many employees/customers/residents are on the property, and when? What is the physical size of the area that needs protection? There is a correct balance. Start small and work your way up to find the balance that works perfectly for you.

Contact BOS Security

Review the security services offered by BOS security, including our VirtuGuard™ remote guarding services and keep up with the latest surveillance tactics. If you’re having trouble finding the right security balance for your needs, we would be happy to answer any questions, walk you through our options or conduct a free Security Needs Assessment. Contact our team at 404-793-6965 today to get started.

Learn More About The BOS Security Difference

Related topic:

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Security Guards?

SECURE YOUR BUSINESS AND CUT INSURANCE COSTS WITH REMOTE VIDEO MONITORING


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