What is a Security Audit and What Does it Involve?

A physical security audit is a comprehensive assessment of your organization’s building(s). It measures your businesses susceptibility to crime against a list of industry best practices, regulations and requirements.

If your organization is looking to improve its security, then you’ll likely want a security audit before you invest in any specific security solution. This will ensure you get the best security for your company’s specific needs. 

In this blog, we explain how a Sonitrol Western Canada free security audit works.

When a Sonitrol security specialist arrives at your property, they will review your property to identify any area of concerns. They will also speak to designated personnel with knowledge of security processes and procedures to determine how you manage security. 

There’s no right or wrong answer during a security audit. The key is to provide honest answers so that your security auditor can get a true understanding of your unique situation. 

While the items assessed will depend on the type of business you operate, there are some general elements that your security specialist will review, no matter what industry you are in.

The exterior of your building 

• Are exterior lights installed and working? 
• Are there any landscaping elements blocking points of entry? 
• Is there easy access to the rooftop? 
• Is there dark areas or areas where criminals can easily hide (i.e. behind dumpsters) when trying to gain entry? 
• Can you clearly see all entrances and exits? 
• Do you have a fence around the property that helps prevent unauthorized access? Is this fence checked regularly for damage? 
• Is there a clear indication of where your property lines are? 

The interior of your building

• Are secure areas monitored and/or restricted? 
• Can you see inside your building from the street, sidewalk and parking lots? 
• Are windows free of clutter and signs? 
• Are doors and other access points monitored and/or restricted?
• Do access points have a security alarm in case of forced entry? 

Who has access to your building 

• Are visitors required to sign in and out? Do they have to wear visitor badges? 
• Do employees and authorized visitors have identification? If so, is this identification safe from duplication? 
• Do you ensure access keys, cards or fobs are retrieved or deactivated when employees leave the company? 

Your existing security alarm technology

• Do you have/need a surveillance system? 
• Are all security alarms functioning as they should be?
• Do technologies integrate with each other? Do they operate as intended? 
• Is surveillance being properly monitored? 
• Does your surveillance system provide full coverage? Are there any blind spots? 
• Are security cameras in the correct locations? 
• Is your security system up-to-date or is an update/upgrade needed? 
• Do any of your cameras or other security hardware look like it’s been tampered with or damaged? 
• Is your current security system scalable?

Your security policy

• Do you have a security policy? 
• Do you provide security training to staff including what to do if there is an intrusion or crime in progress? 
• Do you change/review codes and access regularly? 
• Do you have a review process for recorded audio/video and access management? 

These are just some of the many questions that a security audit may cover. If you're in a specialty industry like a jewelry store, bank, car dealership or construction site, additional items will be included on your security checklist that are specific to your industry. 

Once your comprehensive security evaluation is complete, Sonitrol Western Canada will provide recommendations on how to improve security and design a customer security solution for your business. And we will do it all for free, with no obligation!

Keeping businesses safe is our highest priority. If you have any concerns about your current security situation, contact us today for a free audit.