In the last decade, the evolution of technology and communication has added an aspect to physical security that most of us were not prepared for. Cybercrimes and information theft are now the "in" thing. The challenge is that our guns and metal detectors are no longer adequate in preventing these crimes.
Nowhere is this challenge more prevalent than in the BPO industry. Physical Security Professionals working in this sector should know a bit about the latest technologies in order to be effective in their role. We can no longer say that it is not part of our job. Cybercrimes and information theft may be the jurisdiction of Information Security but there are aspects of InfoSec that crosses over to Physical Security - like CCTV and Access Control.
BPOs are given access by their clients to their customer database and other proprietary information. These clients need to be assured that the security measures in place are robust enough to protect their data. Some clients even require additional protocols on top of a BPOs existing security processes before awarding a contract. Due to this, the competition among BPOs are affected not just by their cost effectiveness or the communication skills of their agents but also by their compliance to security standards such as ISO and PCI DSS. These certifications are critical factors to a BPOs credibility.
To beef up their security systems, BPOs have placed stringent security measures in place to minimize risk. Below are some examples:
Mobile phones, Tablets, Cameras and any IT related gadget that can capture an image or store and transmit data is prohibited from a BPOs production floors.
The Clean Desk Policy helps ensure that writing materials or unauthorized gadgets cannot be hidden and used.
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An employee's computer activities can be tracked by IT. If they try to transmit prohibited data such as a credit card number, this activity will be blocked, logged and recorded.
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CCTV cameras are strategically scattered around high risk areas. capable of storing months of footage.
Access card readers are installed on doors to keep unauthorized people from entering critical areas and monitor employee's movement within the premises. These data logs are stored for future reviews.
Security guards are posted in areas where they can monitor employee's compliance to policies as well as to visually inspect their belongings for other contraband.
Regular audits are conducted to comply with information security standards. Penetration test are periodically done to test the security protocols effectiveness.
As you can see, half of these measures are implemented by the Physical Security team, working closely with their Information Security counterparts. We need to realize the importance of keeping pace with these changes. The boundaries of Physical Security and InfoSec in some situations, overlap. Knowledge of both will give the Physical Security Professional a better perspective of the risks involved and apply the appropriate and most effective protocol.
The best time to get started is now. Here are some articles to get you primed. We'll talk about these topics more on our next posts.
CCTV Systems
CCTV Cameras - What Type for which Application?
What is CCTV? What Type of Camera, How to Install
Access Control System
Access Control
Fundamentals of Information Systems Security/Access Control Systems
Understanding the Three Factors of Authentication
Motion Detection System
Motion Detection
How Burglar Alarms Work
Alarm Monitoring Systems
What is alarm monitoring and how does it work?
What is alarm monitoring?
After reading up on these articles, ask yourself:
How can you apply these technologies to your type of operation?
What are the limitations of these tech systems?
How can these systems augment your Guard Force and vice versa?
Level up your expertise by arming yourself with these information and help ensure that the company you're protecting is
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