What is Security

SECURITY THE BUZZ WORD
A MANAGER'S CHECK SHEET FOR ASSESSING SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Post 26/11, Security is the buzz word in all forums of conversation. Many firms, establishment and individuals are all taking a fresh look at Security. Many firms and companies are in the market providing various kinds of security. A clear perception of Security has therefore become important when we analyse our requirements.

The current perception generally is 'let us put some cameras' or ' let us beef up the security by hiring another X number of guards'. Will cameras and few guards provide the necessary security. The cameras at the Chatrapati Shivaji Station picked Kasab walking in with weapon but did it prevent the heinous blood bath he let loose on innocents. In the same way, the cameras at Taj also picked up the terrorists walking in and it is not that the facility did not have guards but what followed is still fresh in our minds.

Another greatest drawback when we go in for equipment is technology evolution. Six months down the lane most electronic equipment reach obsolescence especially CCTV cameras. Added to this aspect is the collusion of guards. The return on investment is quite low because of these factors.

It is also important that we assess the present system we have. All the systems we have currently is based on human observation and intervention. In other words if the threats are not in the visual field or if the video feed is not being watched, there will be a risk to the area being guarded. In the case of CCTVs, it is not possible for a person to continously watch a monitor or bank of monitors. More often than not some incidents will get un-noticed.
guards in criminal frauds.

It is also important that we assess the present system we have. All the systems we have currently is based on human observation and intervention. In other words if the threats are not in the visual field or if the video feed is not being watched, there will be a risk to the area being guarded. In the case of CC TVs, it is not possible for a person to continuously watch a monitor or bank of monitors. More often than not, many some incidents will not get noticed.

As on date in most of our facilities a Security plan is based on products and not on process. If products alone were enough, then many facilities would have become absolutely sterile to any threats. But this not so as products without man power cannot provide any meaningful security. In actuality, security is met counter measures are installed in depth against all possible threats. Synergised deployment of dependable electronic sensors and trained man power is the only method which provide fail safe Security. What then is the modality to arrive at a security plan or process.

One suggested method is:-

• Carryout a Security Audit of the facility. Best is to give it to a third party who will do dis passionated assessment.

• Assess all possible risks. This will change from place to place and facility to facility.

• Assess all the threats that can manifest itself.
• Plan counter measures for each of the threats.
• These measures should be in depth so that even if one is compromised there is always a backup.
• What monitoring facilities will be required to provide a 24/7 electronic watch.
• What Reaction Measures need to be installed to react to the threats when it develops.
• Formulate a Security Plan in consultation with the client.
• Phase the plan so that it becomes more meaningful.
• Implement the Plan.
• Cater for maintenance plan.
• Training of personnel in operation of the system.
• Periodic rehearsals.

The best form of Security can be ensured if we appoint a process based company who will look after the complete system ie from assessment, formulation of plan, installation, maintenance, monitoring and response services. In this format one can well avoid the blame game which often happens in the security environment. In order to avoid large capital investments there are companies who provide all needed security services by fielding their own equipments either on an amortised model or rental model.

Iris Interactive Security Services is a company headed by Security professionals from the Army Special Forces Wing and who provide all the functions of security. It provides a single portal interaction and ensures that your facility is secured 24/7, 365 days of the year.