Security Professional

There is a race for Technology implementation in every field. This affects Security Management too due to which ‘Security Automation’ is considered as the most important component amongst the five Security layers ( https://securitypracticesandsolutionbysmit.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-five-layers.html ). Many times, Security Technology is implemented not due need to mitigate the risk or bring efficiency, implemented for sake of it, there is no estimation of what in Security is to be automated, why to be automated, and how to be automated. This results in a bad investment, dissatisfaction amongst Management & Owners, unhappy users (employees, workforce, visitors, etc.), and most importantly, the risk remains. Problem statement In the last 19 years have seen several examples where Security Automation is not balanced with actual need. There are mainly four logical scenarios for imbalanced situations in Security technology: 1. Over-implemented – logically such cases should not be mu...

Earlier blogs on Risk Chain and Security tools gave understanding on Risk components and risk treatment (five layers of Security). Even after implementation of Security measures, ‘Risk will exist’. The fact which Security Manager and Management must accept. There are many reasons for existence of Risk even after treatment. 1. 100% risk mitigation is not possible. This is one of the facts Security Manager and especially Management must accept. Known risk but not treated may be due to lower probability or practically not possible to treat due to cost of treatment or risk is low impact-low probable. This is known as ‘Risk Appetite’ of the organization. So, the condition here is, risk still exists but in knowledge. 2. Risk Treatment is not done properly – this is where Security manager or management have not measured the risk properly or not given proper treatment. Risk not estimated or missed in assessment is possible when adequate preparation in Risk assessment is not done – old risk...

In earlier blogs overview on ‘Risk Chain’, ‘Methodology to break’ the chain and ‘Five layers’ of Security was presented. There are various Security processes which contribute to complete the de-risking need. If we try to put score on each component of Security need, we will be able to prioritize the implementation requirement vis-à-vis risk. Threat” exposure is not possible without movement of men, material, or information. Therefore, controlling, regulating, and monitoring movements to-n-fro Secured - Non-Secured area is important.   Crime is not possible without access breach therefore, reasoned ‘Access control’ establishment nearly completes the Security. Access control is “The practice of regulating entrance to a property, a building, or a room to authorised person”, access could be physical or digital. Un-authorised access could be for property or information (damaging Or stealing). Out unauthorised movement of material (property) and information is also access breach.  G...

There are five important layers in Security for risk mitigation (refer last Blogs on Risk Chain and Finding Solution to Break the Risk Chain). Implementation of these layers is generally in combination of each other. Correct balancing the implementation of layers at appropriate risk chain link and at right timings will result into Cost-effective and Optimum Security, which every management is looking for. But to have this achieved it is important to understand the components within these five layers. It is also important to note that while you are changing any layer, other layers will be affected. Therefore, change management is not one time activity, need to observe the impact in long term. The five layers includes ‘Infrastructure’, ‘Equipment’, ‘Application’, ‘Process’ and ‘Human Resource’. We will go in detail of each layer, understand the components and interconnections between the layers. All layers together should be seen like an engine, wherein each layer is individual gear, sho...

Finding the solution to break the Risk chain For Risk Mitigation the “Risk chain” needs to be broken in a cost-effective way. Risk chain components are required to be mapped with different Security layers i.e., Infrastructure, Equipment, Application, Processes, and Manpower to determine the optimal Security solution. Once a company starts mapping Security layers against Risk chain components, it will likely be possible to identify several measures that can be enhanced. It is important to involve Security as early in the planning process as possible. The best time to involve Security is in design phase where the 'Infrastructure', link (+) of 'asset', 'vulnerability' and 'weakness' can be broken or at least weaken. Examples include  : While designing factory layout, keep separation between core operational area(s) and areas where external vehicles/personnel are required to come. While designing the building Security, keep the visitor lobby outside core are...

  In sequence of “threat” to "asset" becoming a reality and creating negative "impact" is a complete “Risk chain”. There are several links which can be broken to "Protect". Consider Security Risk Chain like a Fire-Triangle which has Fuel, Heat and Oxygen. When one gone, fire gone. Similarly in Risk Chain, one link broken is “Risk” gone.  Smart Security is identifying balanced Security measures i.e. infrastructure, technology & automation, process and man-power to be effectuated to brake risk chain at right link. Understanding propitious risk mitigation tool is important for S ecurity Manager . During sensitive times, Police takes custody of regular offenders from city - Police removes "adversary" from chain. On other site, terrorist select populated areas for bomb explosion, to have maximum "impact" – as explosion in non-populated area will be only for enjoyment as fireworks. Therefore knowingly unknowingly, Security and Adv...