The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Security Risk Management for Large Organisations in New Zealand

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant challenges and changes to organisations worldwide, forcing them to adapt their operations and reassess their risk management strategies. In this brief blog, we will explore the specific impact of COVID-19 on physical security risk management for large organisations in New Zealand. We will discuss the evolving security landscape, key challenges faced by organisations, and the measures that can be implemented to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and security of personnel and assets.

The Evolving Security Landscape

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the security landscape in New Zealand, requiring organisations to address new and unique security threats. Some notable changes include:

1. Remote Work and Digital Security. With a significant shift towards remote work arrangements, organisations have had to strengthen their digital security measures to protect sensitive information and prevent cyber threats. The increased reliance on remote access technologies and virtual collaboration platforms has created new avenues for potential security breaches.

2. Access Control and Social Distancing. During the pandemic organisations had to implement access control measures to ensure compliance with social distancing guidelines and limit the number of individuals within their premises. This has led to challenges in managing entry points, maintaining visitor logs, and monitoring compliance with health and safety protocols.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions. Disruptions in global supply chains have affected the availability of security equipment and technology, leading to delays in implementing or upgrading physical security systems.

Challenges in Physical Security Risk Management

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented several challenges to physical security risk management for large organisations in New Zealand:

1. Reduced On-Site Security Presence. With remote work arrangements and reduced staff on-site, there may be a decrease in physical security personnel available to monitor and respond to security incidents, potentially leaving organisations more vulnerable to threats.

2. Increased Vulnerability to Cyber Attacks. The rapid transition to remote work has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. Organisations must enhance their cybersecurity measures, including implementing robust firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and employee awareness training, to protect against increased cyber threats.

3. Shift in Threat Landscape. The pandemic has led to an increase in certain types of security threats, such as theft of personal protective equipment (PPE) or medical supplies, as well as potential health-related threats. Organisations need to adapt their risk assessments and security protocols to address these evolving threats effectively.

Mitigation Measures and Best Practices

To address the impact of COVID-19 on physical security risk management, large organisations in New Zealand can implement the following measures:

1. Remote Monitoring and Surveillance. Leveraging technology, organisations can enhance their remote monitoring and surveillance capabilities through the use of CCTV systems, video analytics, and remote access control systems. This enables real-time monitoring of critical areas and immediate response to potential security incidents.

2. Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures. Organisations should strengthen their cybersecurity protocols by implementing secure remote access solutions, regularly updating software and security patches, conducting regular employee training on cybersecurity best practices, and monitoring network traffic for potential threats.

3. Agile Risk Assessments and Incident Response Plans. Organisations should conduct regular risk assessments, considering the evolving threat landscape, and update their incident response plans accordingly. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, establishing communication protocols, and ensuring coordination with relevant authorities and emergency services.

4. Adaptation of Access Control Systems. Organisations should review and adapt their access control systems to enforce social distancing protocols and manage visitor access effectively. This may include implementing touchless access control technologies, temperature screening, and visitor management systems to track and monitor individuals entering the premises.

5. Collaboration and Communication. Effective communication and collaboration among security teams, employees, and stakeholders were crucial during the pandemic. Organisations should maintain open lines of communication, provide clear guidelines and protocols, and encourage reporting of any security concerns or incidents.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted physical security risk management for large organisations in New Zealand. The shift towards remote work, increased cyber threats, and the need for social distancing measures have presented unique challenges that require innovative solutions. However, by implementing the appropriate mitigation measures and best practices, organisations can adapt to the evolving security landscape and ensure the safety and security of their personnel and assets.

Key strategies include enhancing remote monitoring and surveillance capabilities, strengthening cybersecurity measures, conducting agile risk assessments, adapting access control systems, and fostering collaboration and communication. These measures will help organisations mitigate risks, respond effectively to incidents, and maintain a secure environment during these challenging times.

It is crucial for organisations to continuously monitor and reassess their physical security risk management strategies as the situation evolves. By staying informed about the latest guidelines, regulations, and industry best practices, organisations can adapt their security protocols and ensure the resilience of their operations.

As the world navigates the ongoing pandemic and prepares for future uncertainties, physical security risk management will continue to play a vital role in safeguarding organisations. By proactively addressing the impact of COVID-19 and implementing robust security measures, large organisations in New Zealand can build resilience, protect their personnel and assets, and maintain business continuity in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Protect your organisation from physical security threats with our expert risk management solutions. Our experienced security consultants will identify potential risks and implement effective measures to safeguard your people, assets and operations. Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure your business.