Security Concerns at Government Facilities and How to Deal with Them
- June 30, 2019
- By secureguard
From a city hall, public library, embassies, and courthouse to the police department, all government facilities are exposed to multitude of security threats like bombings, unlawful entry, kidnapping, forcible occupation, and sabotage.
As they are open to the general public, anyone can let in easily, including people with malicious intentions. These buildings accommodate several government offices and critical data, making them an attractive target to terrorists.
That’s why effective security practices should be in place to minimize the risk.
Here are some common security threats to any government facility and how to deal with them.
1. Terrorism:
The topmost security threat to any public buildings across the USA is a terrorist attack like bombing. The two infamous examples are 9/11 and the Oklahoma City bombings in 2011. Public buildings house the department related to administration, security and public works. They indirectly represent the government. That’s why terrorist attacks them to create chaos, political turmoil, and inconvenience.
2. Cyber Crimes:
Government facilities also house critical data related to administration and security. Over the years, many government facilities experienced data incident at the hands of both national and international hackers. From federal government agencies to state agencies, cyber attackers have stolen information through every level of government.
3. Theft:
Most public buildings are open to all and have multiple entry points, making them highly vulnerable to burglary and break-ins. These burglaries are sometimes costly as criminals can make off with computers and HDD containing confidential data.
4. Fire Breakouts:
Although fire breakout is not a criminal incident, it can lead to more debilitating outcomes if not controlled on time. Given that public buildings are often marked with hustle and bustle on any given day, a fire breakout can claim lives and inflict heavy damages.
How a Government Facility Can Deal with Security Threats
The security of government facility can be maintained through the deployment of efficient security guards; installation of security devices and an access control system. Here’s how…
1. Implying Access Control:
To deter criminals from entering the facilities, all main entrances should be secured with key card access systems. Metal detectors should be used by security personnel at all entrances to monitor people and packaging entered the building. All government staff should wear access control badges for identification purposes.
2. Installing Safety Devices:
Security devices like alarms and CCTV cameras play an important role in the security of any buildings. An alarm system will prompt authorities immediately when emergency strikes.
Photoelectric smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors sense smoke or rising CO levels, thereby alerting people and staff to evacuate the property. Heat activated sprinklers should be installed across the property to control a fire breakout. Duct smoke detectors are equally beneficial as they shut down ventilation units and minimize smoke inhalation risks.
3. Performing Efficient Monitoring:
Apart from manual observation, building security personnel uses CCTV and other surveillance devices to stay vigilant. This helps him take quick action in case of observing anything malicious or problematic.
4. Protecting Data:
Having a solid cybersecurity strategy in place can help government facilities deal with cyber incidents like hacking, phishing and data stealing. The data should be encrypted while there should be restrictions over BYOD. Besides, multi factor authentication should be implied to minimize the risk of vulnerable passwords. Last but not least—employees should be educated on cybersecurity.
LAST NOTE:
Government security has always been vulnerable to security threats. The best thing federal authorities can do is to have solid security strategies in place. It will help them minimize the risk. They should work with effective security agencies being specialized and experienced in government facility security.
