How Frequently Should I Have A Security Assessment
If you’ve decided to implement a CCTV or security system of any type for your home or business, you’re likely aware that there are certain regulations you need to follow to stay on the right side of the law. If you haven’t done so already, it might be a good idea to have an initial security assessment. But assuming you followed all the requirements and recommendations, it’s also important to do “maintenance” on your security system.
If you have a home or business that you protect with CCTV, you should have a security assessment at regular intervals to ensure your system is doing what it is intended to do. This could be done annually to ensure your system is still secure and legal.
Assessing your risk will help you understand and analyse your security processes and systems. Being aware of the security risks your business faces can help to prevent accidents, crimes, or legal issues.
How Frequently Should I Have A Security Assessment?
It’s generally a good idea to have a security assessment done before you install any CCTVs or security systems. This is very useful to make sure you appropriately identify any weak points in your security infrastructure and compensate for them as necessary. Security professionals at CCTV Solutions can help you identify the right setup for whatever security risks you might face.
After an initial assessment, it’s a good idea to do annual security assessments. Factors that are external to your control may have changed and created vulnerabilities in your security infrastructure. Similarly, you want to ensure your equipment is working properly and adheres to all the necessary laws and regulations that govern the use and implementation of CCTVs on private property.
In addition to making sure there are no gaps in your security system, having regular assessments shows your good faith adherence to the laws should you encounter any legal issues with your installed CCTVs. Regular assessments, ideally annually, can limit any liability you might face by ensuring you have no compliance issues.
What are the General Steps For A Security Risk Assessment?
A security risk assessment involves identifying many factors that will determine the level and amount of security you need to keep your premises and property safe. There are four main guidelines to follow to help you assess your security risks:
Collecting statistics
Collecting statistics such as how many and what type of incidents your CCTV captures, how much you spend on your system including the types of repairs, and what requests you have had to access your CCTV. These statistics will help you assess their strengths and weaknesses and it’s general performance.
Regularly evaluating the system
By regularly evaluating your system, you can determine its continued effectiveness. There may be unforeseen issues, even within the first year from installation, so an annual evaluation is a good idea to keep things running smoothly. Rigorously evaluating your system will also help you assess the need for any upgrades or alterations, particularly if any security factors have changed.
Checking equipment and procedures
By checking equipment and procedures on a regular basis, you will be able to respond promptly to technical or mechanical failures. These could range from physical damage, zoom and recording functions, image quality, or the security of the storage and transmission.
Following and updating policies
Check that your security policies are being adhered to efficiently and provide any retraining that may be required if deficiencies are identified. Also, review the policies themselves: Are they easy to follow? Are they still relevant or can they be improved upon? In addition to this, monitor your audit trails and how the security footage is checked and used by staff and ultimately deleted in accordance with relevant regulations.
For more information regarding these four security assessment components, check out this Privacy Policy Guide.
How much does a security risk assessment cost?
Costs for a formal security assessment can vary depending on your business, the size of the property, the number of cameras installed, and the complexity of your operations. Luckily, initial consultations for evaluation of your property, identifying your security goals, and developing a plan for installation of a security system can be free! Get in touch with us at CCTV Solutions so we can provide you with a customised security strategy to meet your security needs.
Are security risk assessments required?
Security Assessments are not required by law in New Zealand. However, they are a good business practice to evaluate risks and vulnerabilities in the system. In doing so, you can implement reasonable and appropriate interventions to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to your security. Risk analysis is the first step in that process.
How do you identify security risks?
The best way to identify security risks is to contact a professional security risk assessor who has the experience and expertise to evaluate your property or business and spot any potential vulnerabilities in your processes or infrastructure. You can get started with this process by doing a few simple things on your own:
- Identify your valuable assets
- Catalogue any existing security measures.
- Identify points of access to your property.
- Identify all people with access to your property.
- Identify all people with access to your valuable assets.
What are common security threats?
Common security threats can come in many forms depending on the value and composition of your property. If you have physical goods, the most obvious security threats would be theft or burglary. If someone has or gains access to your valuable goods, they are in a position to steal them. Security systems including appropriately placed CCTV cameras and security protocols for gaining access to valuable items are a good way to protect against these threats.
