A full Security Risk Assessment, accompanied by a structured Security Plan, is a multi-layered process designed to identify and mitigate security risks.
When conducting a Security Risk Assessment, we typically work within a framework of five, seven, or even ten distinct levels. These levels are not random; they are essential in understanding and addressing security risks specific to each property type, whether it be a private residence, a corporate facility, an estate, or any other environment. # Security Risk Assessment Risk levels
Understanding Security Assessment Levels
The term “levels” in a Security Risk Assessment does not imply optional stages that a client can pick and choose from. Instead, these levels represent different layers of security that must be assessed in their entirety to form a complete picture of potential risks.
A partial assessment, where only selected levels are assessed, would leave gaps in your security, much like an incomplete puzzle with missing pieces. Security is all-inclusive; every section of the property must be assessed thoroughly.
Overlooking any of these levels can compromise the effectiveness of the security plan. Failure to consider even one aspect of the interconnected components can create exploitable security risks.
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a school in Upington, uncovering vulnerabilities that are frequently missed in standard assessments. This process enables us to recommend practical measures that improve the safety and security of the premises.
If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would like us to address, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will develop and publish articles on our website based on your interests.
Different Perspectives in Security Risk Assessment
From the client’s perspective, these levels refer to different security zones within the property. A well-structured security plan should compartmentalize the property into distinct zones, allowing for better control over security measures. You can then select which zones or sections to turn on or off based on your needs. The main issue is that turning off the alarm disables the whole system, not just the necessary area. This flaw exposes the entire property to potential threats. A properly zoned system allows selective deactivation, such as disarming the driveway on arrival while keeping other zones active. As you move through the property, specific areas can be adjusted accordingly, ensuring continuous security without unnecessary exposure.
Common Security Mistakes
One of the most frequent and critical mistakes property owners make is failing to zone their security system correctly. Without proper zoning, the entire security infrastructure becomes rigid and less effective. The number of zones depends on the property type and layout, but a structured system always offers better control and flexibility.
The Importance of Layered Security
Security layering is a crucial component of an effective security plan. It allows for real-time monitoring of an intruder’s movement on the property, offering advanced warning and response capabilities. By implementing security measures in well-defined layers, clients can detect threats at multiple points rather than relying on a single line of defense.
Conclusion
As independent security risk assessors, we assess different levels of security and translate them into ‘zones’ for the client. By assessing a property’s levels, we gain insight into both the property and its environment and ensure we identify all risks. Security layering is crucial, as it provides insight into an intruder’s position on the property.
Installing a well-structured security system with zoned control allows the client to manage their security more effectively.
Written by Andre Mundell, Independent Security Risk Assessor at Alwinco. # Security Risk Assessment Risk levels
Please note: Property refers to homes, businesses, campuses, hospitals, estates, farms, schools, government-owned entities, and government properties.
We provide security risk assessments for customers in Centurion, Bloemfontein, Durban North, Pretoria East, Constantia, and other Gauteng cities. The security risk assessments apply to residences, businesses, industrial estates, farms, and other sorts of properties.