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Guide to securing your business - Australian Security Industry Association Ltd (ASIAL)

Guide to securing your business


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Security systems are more than just alarms or simple barriers - they are a combination of technology and good human practices, ones that offer an efficient and effective method of keeping you and your business secure so you can concentrate on what really matter most, running your business.

Here are some of the security options you should consider when securing your business:


Access Control


Access control systems can be security systems, building management systems, evacuation systems, personnel management systems or standalone networks.
An electronic access control system controls the movement of people in and out of a building and can keep a log of the doors used, how often they are used and by whom.

A typical access control system may include:
  • An identification device – users are given an ID device such as an electronic tag, photo ID card or personal identification number (PIN) to access the building
  • Readers (such as PIN, Wigand, Proximity, Biometric, Magnetic stripe,) which enable users with ID devices to gain access to pre-programmed areas.
  • The door controller is the backbone of a multi-door access control system deciding whether to allow or deny entry based on the information received by the reader (other entry points, such as the entrance to a car park or elevators can be used).
Access control can also be operated remotely, enabling a central administrator with a PC to manage the system. Uses for access control systems include office buildings, hotels, apartments, airports, universities, prisons, financial institutions and many more. The nature and size of a system will depend on the characteristics of the site and its key business.

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Alarms and Alarm Monitoring


The installation of an alarm system is a vital investment in protecting property and possessions. When you combine this investment with an alarm monitoring device you can turn your alarm into an even more effective security system.

A monitored alarm provides a continuous record of conditions at your property (including detailed reports of openings and closings) so you have a complete record of what has happened at your property/premises, even when you are not there. Any change in conditions can be transmitted immediately to the central station and the appropriate response initiated (tailored to meet your needs, whether police, fire, ambulance, security patrol, maintenance technician or to a list of authorised personnel). It is only a matter of seconds from the alarm being activated to the central station monitoring response to intruder/burglar alarms, personal attack and duress alarms, power failures and electrical faults or equipment breakdowns and a range of emergency situations from fire to flooding.

Monitoring is the key reporting link in electronic security. An alarm control interfaces with a communications device to deliver a message for response. A pager system, cellular device, radio or digital communicator can send these signals over the telephone. The central monitoring station (the location that receives and responds to this critical information) decodes and responds to the data it receives and acts according to pre-set instructions from the user.

ASIAL operates a well respected grading scheme for central monitoring stations in accordance with Australian Standard 2201.2-2004 (Intruder Alarm Systems - Central Stations).
ASIAL Certified Monitoring Centres

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Physical Security / Locking Devices


Physical Security devices such as Deadlocks, Multi Point Locking Bars, Safes, Padlocks, Window Locks etc. are in most cases the first and last barriers encountered by an intruder. Physical Security devices have become an indispensible tool when it comes to the protection of people and property.
When installing locking devices the issue of security versus egress must be considered. The Building Code of Australia dictates the types of devices that can be installed in a commercial situation. If the building occupier or installer is unsure of the legality of the devices to be installed they should consult an expert Locksmith.

Approved locking devices, depending on the application, include the following:
  • Multi point locking systems with emergency release
  • Heavy duty key lockable bolts
  • Blocker plates or strike guards to prevent latch manipulation
  • Bollards to prevent ram raids
  • Hinge pins and fixed pin hinges
  • Single sided deadlocks
  • Mechanical digital locks
  • Safes
  • Bolt cutter resistant padlocks and chains
  • Mortice locks
  • Lever entrance sets
The security of these devices can be improved by incorporating a Restricted Security Key Control System, most of these will be picking resistant. Keys for these systems cannot be duplicated without a letter of authority signed by a designated signatory of the system owner.

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Security Guards / Officers


Security officers provide protection of people and property in a wide variety of environments – factories and warehouses, offices, shopping centres, hospitals, airports, concerts and sports events. The growing responsibilities of these personnel, and their increasing public interface, has resulted ever-higher levels of training and professionalism.

Trained security personnel perform a wide range of roles in areas such as:
  • Customer service
  • Loss prevention
  • Retail security
  • Concierge and reception desks
  • Corporate risk
  • Investigation services
  • Cash collections
  • Armed escorts
  • Client banking
  • ATM servicing
  • Crowd control and security at special events
  • Mobile patrols
  • Traffic management including taxi ranks; car parks for hotels; shopping centres and office buildings; the issuing, processing and collection of parking infringement notices and toll collections.
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Cash Logistics / Cash in Transit (CIT)


Cash in Transit (CIT) or Cash Logistics services cover the transport and delivery of cash and other valuables. The service offers small to large businesses peace of mind knowing that once their cash and valuables are in the care of one of the major CIT providers, they are fully insured. For many businesses this service provides a safe and secure way of handling cash and valuables, without exposing their staff or themselves to risk.

Depending on the size and nature of the business, there are different ways in which cash and valuables are transported:
  • Armoured car collection services - armoured car collection is typically suited for banks and large businesses that deal in high volumes of cash.
  • Discreet collection and banking services for small to medium sized businesses - a range of products and services are available for small to medium sized businesses. These include discreet collection and banking services, small, smart safes that can protect your cash and your staff from armed robbery, and Onsite ATMs which can help increase your revenue.
Providers of CIT services can help assess your current cash handling practices and offer suggestions for introducing new, more effective systems and procedures.

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CCTV


CCTV Closed Circuit Television or CCTV is now broadly used to describe the growing array of systems within a building or public area used to visually monitor a location for security or industrial purposes. A CCTV system can be recorded and viewed on-site or remotely.

A CCTV system is typically made up of:
  • Camera – both mono and colour cameras are available. These can be set in fixed positions or placed on pan-tilt devices which enable them to be moved from left to right or up and down. The use of a zoom lens allows the operator to get a closer view of an object or person.
  • Monitor - similar to a standard television set, however, it lacks the electronics to pick up regular television (monitors are available in mono and colour).
  • Recorder
  • Control Unit - in systems where there is more than one camera, a control unit is required to control each video signal going to the VCR and the monitor.
The final image you see will only be as clear as the piece of equipment with the lowest resolution. For example, if you use a high-resolution monitor and a low-resolution camera, the monitor will display the image quality of the lower resolution camera. It is important that the resolution of a system meets your needs before it is installed.

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Biometrics


A growing area of security is biometrics, which involves a measurable, physical characteristic or personal behavioural trait used to recognise the identity, or verify the claimed identity of a person. Techniques include:
  • Fingerprint – where the pattern on a fingertip is used.
  • Hand geometry - where the shape of the hand is analysed.
  • Ear shape recognition - where the shape of the ear is analysed.
  • Retina – where the layer of blood vessels situated at the back of the eye is analysed.
  • Iris recognition – analyses the patterns in the coloured ring of tissue that surrounds the pupil.
  • Facial recognition - where the distances between facial features are measured and the thermal pattern caused by blood-flow in the face is analysed.
  • Body odour recognition - where body odours are analysed by recognising the mixture of volatile chemicals given off by an individual.
  • Speaker verification - where individuals are recognised by patterns evident in the way that they speak.
  • DNA analysis – where genetic information is used to determine the physical characteristics of a person.
  • Signature verification where the shape of a signature, the pressure and style used in making it is analysed.
  • Acoustic emission analysis listens to the sounds emitted as a person makes a signature and uses that acoustic signature to identify an individual.

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