At Technology Team, we love to collaborate with our partners to offer our readers the most pertinent information regarding the IT industry and strategies to support your business. As we all know, security is important to all business owners; however, it can be expensive. This month, Nick St. Clair from Red Hawk Security shares a great way to attain reliable security without the high cost.

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staying secure at a reasonable cost
By: Nick St. Clair

Remote video surveillance services allow a reduction in security costs, with an increase in both security/operational security. Many organizations are faced with the decision to reduce their security or overspend based on budgetary constraints. The result may be to reduce guard hours, decrease electronic security coverage, or utilize non-security personnel to perform security functions in addition to their “day job.”

During my time in the military, leaders learned very quickly to ask, “so what?” This is a simple question, but one that is pertinent to any path we may consider. The organization desires to increase security, and we ask “so what?” The organization may decide to install cameras, card readers, or other security devices, so we again ask ourselves, “so what?” In doing so, we provide some segmentation of our facilities, and at least a forensic capability for investigating incidents after they have occurred. Does this meet our need of protecting our business before the event occurs? In some instances, it may, but many organizations may have a need for a higher level of security, particularly in high technology, high value, high liability, and data intensive organizations.

The next “so what?” answer may lead to a much higher cost than desired. We want a higher level of security and a more personalized and instantaneous approach than we can achieve with just installing some card readers, cameras, and an alarm system. So what else can we do? The traditional response is to hire a guard service, hire and train organic security personnel, or dual-hat non-security personnel with security duties. All of these are associated with a substantial cost.

Some typical reasons that organizations may consider one of these options include:

• Deterrence
• Assisting with building access
• Escorting employees to their vehicles after hours or to secure areas
• Escorting vehicles from the gate to a loading dock, and vice versa, to ensure no deviation
• Checking in vehicles at the gate, and verifying identity as well as intent prior to allowing entry into the organization’s lot
• Responding to entry requests by vendors, delivery personnel, and so on
• Responding quickly to unauthorized attempts at yard or building entry
• Patrolling the facility, yard, and lots for security, liability, and/or operational concerns
• Meeting organizational, federal, state, or other regulations and laws for escorting personnel in secure parts of the building

Last month’s question must have been hard: “In Korea, what is known as the Hangul?”

Answer: The correct answer was “the writing system” and was submitted by Rudy Lopes of College-Cram.com. Congratulations Rudy!

For more international trivia

This month's question: What two continents have never been the sites of a major military conflict?

Submit the correct answer for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card!