Our experience shows that the majority of security systems fail when independently, and forensically audited.  Many of these systems will fail during a criminal attack.  Criminals often know the security system deficiencies and associated operational problems at the targeted properties before they commit their crimes.

Physical security and video surveillance systems must operate continuously, day by day, year by year, often in very challenging and dynamic environments.  These environmental factors accelerate the aging process.  All electronic security equipment will eventually fail, but not always in a way that is apparent to casual observation.

A hidden fault may develop which prevents an event from being processed or reported.  Problems may continue even after witness testing at system commissioning, routine maintenance and costly call-outs by your security contractor to correct more obvious faults.

Failure to remedy system deficiencies will heighten the risk to personnel, assets and business outcomes. 

The consequences of security failure also expose system owners to expensive legal (criminal and/or civil) claims for negligence, unexpected costs, business disruption and possible failure in insurance claims.

 

Common problems & risks include:

  •        Cyber and physical attack vulnerabilities associated with key components and system infrastructure.
  •        Sub-optimal system design.
  •        Inadequate system commissioning.
  •        Inappropriate selection and/or location of equipment.
  •        Inadequate tamper detection (e.g. on detectors, cameras, cabinets & fire doors).
  •        Electronic component failure through temperature stress, electrical transients or tamper.
  •        Breakdown of electrical connections through corrosion, vibration or tampering.
  •        Tamper-related misalignment or masking of detection devices.
  •        Inadequate back-to-base communication and system testing.
  •        Ineffective system maintenance.

 

Why engage HSM?

       Harris Security Management has been a leading Australian security risk management consultancy providing trusted and expert services since 1983. 

       We do not install security systems or monitor alarms – our independence and expertise are critical to your due diligence, security, business and insurance protection.

       We are engaged by insurance companies to forensically audit security management systems after criminal attacks and as a proactive measure when properties have identified high crime risk.  These engagements provide further and necessary knowledge of the methods criminals use to defeat security systems including by, or with the assistance of ‘trusted insiders’.

       Our services clearly provide evidence of your commitment to security and safety duty of care.

       An independent security system audit by our licensed and highly respected subject matter experts will significantly assist you to meet legal and social responsibility obligations.

       You will never know the true integrity of your security and video surveillance systems until an audit by expert technical specialists, independent of your specifier and maintenance provider, has occurred.

      Happy to discuss how our expert and trusted services will meet your needs and concerns.

 

Stay safe and stay Informed…

Should you have a strategic, operational or compliance interest in the physical protection of people, infrastructure, property or supply chain, please ‘Follow us’ on LinkedIn.

 

Contact

Geoff Harris, Principal Consultant –

info@harris.com.au or telephone +61 2 9560 9933

 

HARRIS SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Integrated Security and Emergency Risk Management for Facilities, Crowded Places and Supply Networks.

Trusted independent security consultants since 1983 – Celebrating 40 years of thought leadership in security.

www.harris.com.au

Master security licence 407642890

Proud Corporate Partner with the Protective Security Network

 Disclaimer:

  1. This article is intended to stimulate and focus conversation on security and related risk management. Full reading of the referenced source material (article, report, guidelines, or policy etc) is recommended. 
  2. The article is of a general nature only, it is not a comprehensive analysis and not contextualised. 
  3. We take no responsibility for privacy protection, cyber risks or associated legal obligations of websites hosting the referenced source material linked in our article.
  4. Discussion on the referenced source material does not provide professional advice from us.  Seek expert analysis and advice relevant to your specific context from trusted advisers.  You are welcome to contact us.
  5. The article may raise legal issues to contribute to relevance, but in no way provides expert legal opinion or professional legal advice.
  6. We do not provide endorsement or assessment on information or research provided by others that may be referenced in this article.
  7. We do not assess for use of artificial intelligence (AI) in referenced source material.
  8. We do not own or claim intellectual property rights to, or related to, referenced source material, unless otherwise specifically stated.  Please respect the owners of intellectual property.

  © Copyright. All rights reserved. Sydney, Australia 2024.

Originally posted: 21 July 2022, updated 12 December 2024.

 

Posted by Harris Security Management