Why Physical Security Is Still Critical for Tech Companies

When you think of a security breach, you likely picture a hacker attacking from a distance. But what if the threat walked through your front door?

Physical security breaches can be just as costly as cyberattacks, with incidents averaging $4.36 million in losses, according to a Security Intelligence report. Overlooking physical security creates critical gaps that jeopardize people, assets and sensitive data.

As the President of Security 101, San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento regions, I’ve seen how closely physical and digital threats are connected. Yet, physical security often gets overshadowed by a focus on cybersecurity, leaving organizations vulnerable to preventable risks. 

In today’s interconnected world, adopting a holistic approach to security is essential for protecting what matters most.

Why Physical Security Matters for Tech Companies

We live in a hybrid world. Your cutting-edge cloud platform is only as secure as the server room it’s stored in, and those IoT devices powering your smart office? They can just as easily become entry points for bad actors if left unprotected.

Whether you’re a startup building the next big innovation or an established industry leader safeguarding valuable IP, bad actors know your environment is a goldmine of sensitive information. 

Tech companies are high-value targets. Think about it:

• Startups: Early-stage companies often pour their heart and soul into their inventions, prototypes and code. A physical breach could mean losing months of work, jeopardizing funding, or even having their ideas stolen outright.
• Established companies: Years of research and customer data are all at stake. A single physical security lapse could lead to a devastating data breach, regulatory fines and irreparable reputational damage.

Ignoring physical security is like locking your front door but leaving the windows wide open. You might have the best cybersecurity in the world, but what happens when someone simply walks in and steals a hard drive or plants a malicious device?

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3 Practical Physical Security Steps 

Protecting your company requires a holistic approach to security. It’s no longer enough to focus solely on cyber threats; physical security is just as critical. Here’s how to integrate both for comprehensive protection:

1. Rethink Access Control

Forget keycards and pin codes. Modern access control systems now use biometrics, like fingerprints and facial recognition, and mobile credentials, where your phone becomes your digital key. These tools are harder to hack and much more user-friendly.

For example, biometric systems ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical areas like server rooms. These systems significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, since biometric data cannot be easily duplicated or shared, unlike keycards or passwords. Biometric solutions are particularly effective for securing critical areas, such as server rooms or research and development labs, where sensitive information or equipment is housed.

Mobile credentials are perfect for hybrid workplaces, allowing employees to securely enter spaces without juggling extra gadgets. They integrate seamlessly with hybrid workplace environments, allowing flexible access for employees who alternate between on-site and remote work. Additionally, lost or stolen credentials can be deactivated remotely, providing an added layer of security.

2. Embrace AI-Powered Surveillance

The days of passively monitoring security footage are gone. AI-enhanced surveillance systems are game-changers. They can identify unusual behavior, like loitering or accessing restricted areas, before incidents occur.

What’s more, AI-driven surveillance seamlessly integrates with other security measures. For example, if someone breaches a restricted area, the system can immediately flag the event, notify your security team and even trigger automated responses like locking doors or restricting access to certain systems.

The scalability of AI-powered surveillance is another major advantage. Whether protecting a single building or multiple locations, these systems can be tailored to suit the unique needs of your business. They provide centralized management, enabling security teams to monitor and respond to threats across locations from a single dashboard.

3. Don’t Forget Employee Training

Your tech is only as strong as the people using it. Employees need to understand the role they play in physical security. Simple habits, like not letting someone tailgate into an office or recognizing a suspicious person in the workplace, go a long way.

Working with a professional security integrator can elevate these efforts. Integrators not only design and implement customized security systems but also help ensure your team is well-prepared to use them effectively.

By combining advanced tools with a well-trained team and leveraging the expertise of a skilled integrator, your organization can achieve a cohesive, robust security posture that leaves no room for preventable gaps.

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Take a Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity

When tech companies integrate physical security into their overall strategy, the benefits go beyond just protecting assets:

• Resilience: Holistic security reduces vulnerabilities across the board, making your company more prepared for threats.
• Compliance: Many industries now require strong physical security measures for certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
• Credibility: A secure company inspires trust from clients, partners and investors.

Integrating physical security systems doesn’t have to be complicated. Modern solutions, such as unified access control platforms, simplify operations by centralizing management while enhancing overall protection. These systems make it easier than ever to safeguard your people, property and assets effectively.