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Improve Your Physical Security

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Question: 
We’d like to improve our bank’s physical security. What should we keep in mind?
Answer: 

Physical security is actually easy to overlook when network/application security breaches dominate the headlines. Yet robust physical security is vital. Begin with implementing a good physical security program and then insist on proper enforcement. Here are some important elements to remember:

  • Policies/Procedures: These nuts and bolts form the foundational blocks of your program.
  • Deterrent Controls: Fences, guards, mantraps, and others discourage and should prevent attempts of breach or intrusion.
  • Delaying Controls: Locks, access controls, and other delaying controls slow down intruders.
  • Detective Controls: CCTV, smoke/fire alarms are just a few ways to detect incidents early.
  • Incident Response Controls: Personnel (think security guards), security mechanisms (such as fire suppression systems) and procedures to respond to incidents.
  • Auditing Controls: These include audit logs recording physical access to the facility.



First published on BankersOnline.com 4/27/09

First published on 04/27/2009

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