Business security is a hot topic, but it’s not always about online attacks or other IT threats. Access control is an important line of defense, too. Paying attention to the daily operations of your site will help you minimize security risks at every turn. When you can spot the weak links, you’ll really be able to improve your access control systems.
General Rules for Your Company’s Access Control
The days of simple lock-and-key setups are mostly behind us. Even smaller companies are turning to access control systems. The big benefit here is being able to track where people go. You can’t get timestamps or other information on someone using a keyring. On the other hand, following a unique security code or key card lets you monitor where and when someone enters the building or another area.
At times, access control will also include video surveillance or an alarm system. It just depends on your security concerns. But in order for these precautions to do their job, your site needs to follow a few general rules.
1. Educate employees on tailgating
The biggest weakness for access control is probably human error. Say your system is installed correctly and running smoothly, but you still have problems with tailgating. That’s a big red flag.
Tailgating happens when your staff and team members hold the door open for someone coming in behind them. While this might be considered polite in other settings, in the workplace, it can quickly turn into a security risk. So it can help to remind team members that tailgating renders a lot of your access control efforts useless. When everyone makes an effort to supply their own pin code or key card at every entrance, you can do better job of protecting your site and assets.
2. Make ID badges mandatory
Part of making sure that the only people in your building are pre-approved is to give everyone an ID badge. These can look different based on the individual’s role. Employees, for example, might have their badges double for access control to their appropriate floors. Whereas guests and visitors coming in for meetings might have another color on their ID badges to stand out.
The other ID badges to think about are for you contractors. These people may need special access to the areas where they’re working, but if you’re in charge of security, you’ll still want to keep tabs on their movements throughout the building. Issuing temporary ID badges to contractors can be a smart solution. Simply activate them when the crews arrive, and then cancel them once the project is complete. Your access control company should be able to help.
3. Watch your priority areas
When setting up your access control system, you also need to remember to think beyond the front door. While it can be helpful to have employees to enter and exit through one main door, your security measures might need to get a little more specific.
Restricting access to certain floors and office spaces can help ensure that everyone is working where they ought to be. But beyond these privacy measures, you’ll also need to protect your high value assets. Your communication equipment and servers need to be on lockdown to prevent any tampering. The same goes for any sensitive files you have on site with employee or client details. Equipping access control and alarm systems for any windows or doors to these areas can help keep your building and data safe.
If it’s been a couple years since you had your access control system reviewed, you might benefit from a security consultation. Lots of changes can happen in a short amount of time. A double-check of all your access points can help you feel confident that everything is in good working order. Let us know if you’re in the Enhanced Telecommunications service area. We’d be happy to help you out!
