How Is A Security Audit Done | Security Services

Security Audit

Reliable protection of an enterprise from all kinds of threats allows you to preserve the life and health of employees, preserve company property, and reduce risks for business development. To assess the security of an object, an audit (analysis) of the organization’s comprehensive security is carried out.

Why do you need a security check?

Emergencies, criminal attacks on people's lives and company property, man-made accidents, and unfair competition - unfortunately, are not uncommon in our time. A security audit allows you to determine how protected an organization is from possible threats, and then, taking into account the information received, develop measures to eliminate deficiencies.

Government agencies and commercial enterprises are taking measures to increase the level of security and using different methods of protection. However, time passes and new threats arise. Current protection systems are becoming outdated and no longer meet current requirements. To maintain enterprise security at the proper level, it is necessary to develop additional methods and use new technologies.

To obtain an accurate assessment of the state of protection against possible threats, a security analysis (security audit) of the object is carried out. Based on the test results, conclusions are drawn about how ready the protection system is to withstand various threats. 

If a company cares about its reputation and values ​​stability, it is recommended to carry out a full inspection of the security facility regularly, preferably at least once every six months. Based on the results of the security audit, measures are developed to improve the quality of facility protection. It is also important to establish constant monitoring of their implementation.

Development of measures to improve security levels

When developing protective measures, you must first determine which threats are most relevant. Their sources can be external and internal - corruption, terrorist danger, actions of competitors, or other options.

When identifying possible threats and assessing their reality, the following factors are taken into account:

• danger of occurrence;
• the reasons behind the threat;
• sources of origin;
• assessment of probable damage;
• possibility of preventing the threat.

The emergence and development of threats to the safe operation of an enterprise or company consists of the following stages:

• appearance;
• extension;
• stabilization; 
• liquidation.

Current requirements for protecting and strengthening the security of facilities make it possible to prevent most threats or minimize the likelihood of their occurrence. Measures to eliminate threats must be taken preventively. A comprehensive security audit, including an inspection of the security service, is carried out to identify probable threats at a specific facility and develop optimal protection measures.

Comprehensive security analysis

A security audit involves comprehensive work to assess various types of threats. The inspection plan is drawn up based on the main questions: what needs to be protected from what, and how best to do it.

The objectives of a security audit are:

• identification of possible risks and dangers of external or internal threats;
• assessing the impact of threats on the stability of the facility;
• identification of vulnerabilities in the current security complex;
• checking the state of security, the level of physical protection, and the operation of technical security equipment;
• assessment of possible damage, and losses of the enterprise in material or reputational terms due to emergency incidents;
• full analysis of the information received, calculation of the resources that will be needed to neutralize threats;
• development of recommendations to prevent threats or minimize the likelihood of their occurrence;
• assessment of the economic feasibility and rationality of the protection measures proposed to be taken.

Measures to improve security taken as a result of the audit will not only reduce the risk of incidents and help prevent possible problems but also optimize work processes. This helps to save material resources.

Stages of a comprehensive security audit

The set of assessment activities related to checking the security of an object from possible threats includes several stages:

1. Collection of information. At this stage, the following data is collected and compiled:

• location and area of ​​the object;
• configuration, as well as the length of the perimeter of the protected area;
• well-visible areas;
• engineering characteristics, architectural and design features;
• buildings and territories bordering the facility;
• restrictions on access (if any) to certain areas;
• specifics of the company's activities;
• possibilities and features of personnel evacuation;
• criminal situation in the area where the facility is located.

1. Familiarization with the documentation defining the working and access regime at the enterprise. Checking technical passports and operating instructions for security equipment, studying (if necessary) other materials important for an objective assessment when making an expert opinion.
2. Collection and analysis of information about potentially dangerous areas and other elements at the facility, which, with unauthorized intervention, disrupt smooth operations. 

Vulnerable areas include places through which intruders can enter the facility. Areas where explosives or toxic substances are produced, stored, or used. communications that require physical protection, since their damage will be critical for the enterprise.

1. Studying the locations and quality of operation of electronic equipment and technical means designed to control the situation and protect against unauthorized entry into the facility. At this stage, the following parameters are checked:

• the number of technical protective equipment for various purposes and their performance;
• availability of emergency call facilities (panic buttons);
• parameters and placement of ACS;
• serviceability of technical alarm and security equipment, types of sensors used;
• characteristics of the video monitoring complex: number and placement of video cameras, coverage area, clarity of the resulting image, presence of “blind” spots;
• serviceability and technical condition of equipment intended for engineering and technical protection, its compliance with the importance of the protected object;
• serviceability of fire alarm systems, and autonomous (automatic) fire extinguishing systems.

1. Checking the performance and quality of training of physical security officers. In addition to the personal professionalism of the guards, the number of posts how rationally they are located, and the response time to a signal required for the arrival of the RRT at the site are checked.
2. A general check of the security measures already in place at the facility, identification of shortcomings, and compilation of a list of additional measures that should be taken to increase the level of security of the facility.
3. Drawing up an inspection report and report. Development of recommendations aimed at improving the performance of the protective complex, including the introduction of new elements.

The results obtained during the inspection are included in the general report. The legislation of the Russian Federation does not define restrictions for a security audit, with the exception that the real security situation of the enterprise and vulnerabilities should not be disclosed so that the information does not become known to attackers, and even more so to terrorists.