Security Risk Assessment of a Corporate Campus

Vulnerabilities
The client is a three-building corporate campus, with indications that each building is occupied and managed by different tenants. Multiple tenants and multiple structures multiplies security threats because of the varied points of entry and no centralized system of monitoring or patrolling the campus. Security infractions are made even more likely given the fact that the parking area is shared among all buildings, and the fifty visitor spaces are not segregated. Furthermore, loading docks are highly vulnerable to attack or malicious access because they are accessible readily from the parking lot. Being only eight feet above sea level adds the potential for natural disaster like flooding to threaten the integrity of the campus and the safety of its human and physical assets. Layered security is the best way to overcome this vulnerability because of its use of “multiple components to protect operations on multiple levels,” (“Layered Security,” n.d. p. 1).
Assets
The campus’s main asset is its proximity to the interstate highway, which makes it easier for first responders to quickly arrive on the scene. Likewise, proximity to the highway facilitates evacuation procedures in case of a major crisis.
Layered Security Action Plan
Layered security will address multiple concerns under one rubric. In this case, layered security would entail a multi-feature action plan focusing on the perimeter and property, the buildings themselves, the parking lots, and the loading docks. Additional security layers will be added to allow for employee evacuation in case of a natural disaster like a flood. It is strongly recommended that the campus hire a single security consultant to implement a layered security response to ensure consistency and coordination of all the security layers.
The physical layered security components include similar door locking mechanisms and controlled access points for each of the three buildings. Sensitive areas at the pharmaceutical company may require biometric entry mechanisms. It is also recommended that the visitors’ parking lot be segregated and monitored by human security personnel. A robust system for monitoring both employees and visitors would help the security team identify potential threats and respond accordingly.
The loading docks need to be inaccessible from the parking lots, and require their own security via a controlled access point. Human security personnel guards are required at the loading dock, and the access point will be strictly monitored. CCTV needs to be installed throughout the campus, and monitored live by a 24/7 crew. Additionally, the campus needs to be made more resilient in case of a natural disaster. Flooding is the primary concern. The security team will layer its approach by segregating information security, property security, and personnel security. Information security requires cloud-based redundancy backups. Property security includes anti-flood doors and windows, and moving all sensitive equipment to upper floors. Finally, the security team needs to put into place a simple but comprehensive plan for evacuation that will take advantage of the campus’s proximity to the freeway. An alarm system that uses text messages will help create an organized and sensible response that involves an orderly evacuation of all buildings, and prevent employees from coming to campus during high threat situations.


References

“Layered Security,” (n.d.). https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4005/layered-security