Inadequate security can make or break businesses. In 2020, data breaches cost South African businesses more than R40 million per breach. Financial losses like this can be detrimental to business, no matter the size, and impact consumer and client confidence.
A robust and strategic access control solution can prevent theft and fraud of a business’s physical assets and data and ensure the safety of employees.
What is access control?
Access control is an electronic way of giving people access to a building and restricting their access to areas where they shouldn’t be. Access control also authenticates, authorizes and ensures
· The right people access buildings, equipment, and restricted areas.
· Understands who is on the property.
· Help response teams during emergencies to ensure all personnel is accounted for.
Effective access control starts with a plan
A risk assessment is required before deciding on the most effective methods to secure your building and control access. This assessment can determine what security measures are needed.
Here are five ways access control can benefit your business.
1. Personalised restrictive access
Employees or visitors’ access can be done on an individual basis or based on clearance levels. Access control systems monitor who comes and goes within a building, who can see what information, and which employees can access restricted areas.
2. Ease of access
Where employees leave their employment or lose their access card, a security overhaul isn’t necessary. The security team can deactivate the card, making it impossible for unauthorised persons to access the building or sensitive information. And where employees use biometrics to access the building, security teams can remove the file to revoke access when needed.
3. Safeguard information and data
Protect data and equipment by limiting who can access it at any time. Adding control limits to access sensitive information means the information is unlikely to end up in the wrong hands.
4. Monitor access activity
Access control should track all activity. In the event of theft, it will be easy for the security team to access records and review movement in certain areas. Access to activity logs can also be helpful in a health crisis, like COVID-19, where security can use it for contact tracing.
5. Safe environment
Employees go to work knowing they are safe from intruders, and that strict measures are in place in case of an emergency. Efficient access control can also assist employees if they need to evacuate the building quickly and safely. As an organisation evolves, so does its security needs and how its access control systems should operate. Get in touch with Servest, the leading security solutions company that understands that business security needs differ. Our dynamic solutions are tailor-made to suit your business and start with a risk assessment of your building.
