Common Security Vulnerabilities in Commercial Buildings: Are You at Risk?

Commercial buildings are more rewarding to burglars, armed robbers, terrorists, and petty thieves than residential properties. They harbor more valuable items and cash. A minority of Americans reside in 24-hour economy cities, so most commercial buildings are often vulnerable at night.

You put a ton of your time and money into designing and managing your commercial building. You aimed for a safe, secure, private space for your employees, customers, and visitors. However, despite following surveillance best practices, potential vulnerabilities still threaten your building’s security.

We’ve compiled this post to highlight common security vulnerabilities in commercial buildings. Let’s start by reviewing what’s at stake.

Your commercial building aims to attract all sorts of businesses, banks, government institutions or agencies, and NGOs. They all house valuable assets and collect sensitive data.

For example, they collect and analyze employee identification and performance information, keep financial data, and store intellectual property information.

Therefore, your commercial building likely features:

• Conference rooms.
• Offices.
• Dining areas for staff and visitors.
• Social areas, like lounges and break rooms.
• Storage rooms.
• Parking lots and garages.

Your target clients will likely use your commercial building to house their:

• ATMs.
• Cash registers and banking vaults.
• PoS and payment processing areas.
• High-value equipment like computers, printers, and copiers.
• Valuable inventory.
• Business vehicles.

What’s at stake?

1. Financial Losses

Commercial buildings hold valuable assets, so burglars can get away with cash, expensive equipment, and inventory, exposing you and other tenants to financial ruin in the case of a successful burglary or robbery.

A security breach precedes lawsuits from tenants, employees, and customers affected by the incident, causing further financial losses.

2. Reputation Damage

A security breach in a commercial building can damage the reputation of tenant businesses, organizations, or government institutions.

For example, a data breach that exposes sensitive employee or customer information can damage trust and credibility, resulting in lost customers and a damaged reputation.

3. Legal Consequences

Security breaches in commercial buildings often carry costly legal consequences. You could be held liable for negligence or non-compliance with security regulations, attracting fines and penalties.

If the security breach harms/ injures employees or visitors, a lawsuit with severe financial consequences is likely to follow. If you’re a commercial building owner and manager, we recommend you consult an attorney and security professional to advise you on the bare minimums obligated by law in your state.

Common Security Vulnerabilities in Commercial Buildings

1. Weak Access Control Systems

Ideally, you can restrict entry to authorized personnel with access control systems like keycards or biometric scanners. These security apparatuses feature hardware and software components prone to hacking and exploitation by cybercriminals.

There’s also sloppiness involved as most managers fail to revoke access for former employees or contractors, creating potential vulnerabilities in the system.

Building managers should regularly review and update the access privileges of all individuals entering the building.

2. Inadequate Surveillance Systems

Commercial buildings are usually vast spaces with multiple entry points, so it’s challenging to manually monitor them. We recommend installing enough surveillance cameras and employing trained personnel to monitor the footage.

Inadequate surveillance opens up the building to multiple blind spots, giving miscreants an easier time going undetected.

Low-quality cameras or poorly placed cameras may also produce poor-quality footage, making it challenging to identify suspects or gather evidence.

3. Outdated Alarm Systems

Old or malfunctioning alarm systems are easy to bypass, allowing criminals to enter the building undetected. Regular maintenance and updates of alarm systems are crucial to ensuring they function correctly.

You can connect alarms to a central monitoring system for quick, timely alerts to the authorities or your security staff.

4. Lack of Proper Lighting

Inadequate lighting inside and outside the building can make it easier for intruders to hide or go unnoticed. Dark corners and blind spots allow potential criminals to break into the building without being seen.

Install motion-sensor lights and maintain proper exterior lighting to deter would-be intruders.

5. Lack of Cybersecurity Measures

Buildings are becoming increasingly connected and vulnerable to cyber-attacks. From security systems to building automation, it’s possible to hack these systems with inadequate proper cybersecurity.

Execute regular software and hardware security audits and updates to thwart malicious attacks and data theft.

6. Insufficient Employee Training

You’ll invest in the best hardware, software, and automation security systems, but all can be rendered useless by sloppy or inadequately trained employees.

Sloppy employees can click on links enticing them with ‘free prizes’ and share their login credentials, giving hackers easy access to your building’s systems.

Train your employees on proper cybersecurity practices so they all can identify:

• Phishing emails.
• Social engineering tactics.
• Suspicious links or attachments.

Be consistent in teaching security policies to your employees, starting with simple actions like locking doors and setting alarms.

How to Address These Vulnerabilities

1. Upgrade to Modern Security Systems

Opt for the best commercial building security systems with advanced features like remote monitoring and AI-powered analytics.

From high-definition cameras and motion sensors to biometric access control systems, modern security solutions render maximum protection against intruders.

2. Implement Comprehensive Access Control

Use biometric systems, keyless entry, and multi-factor authentication so only authorized personnel access designated areas.

You want a system that controls access within your building, also integrating with third-party systems to monitor and control access remotely.

3. Enhance Surveillance Coverage

Install high-resolution cameras with 24/7 monitoring and motion detection at all entry points and critical building areas.

Always have extra, portable cameras that you can move to different locations as needed, such as construction sites or temporary event spaces.

4. Integrate Alarm Systems

Connect all your alarms to a central monitoring station for immediate response. Smart sensors and panic buttons can also help alert authorities in an emergency.

5. Improve Lighting and Visibility

Install motion-activated lights and ensure all areas are well-lit to deter potential intruders and make identifying suspicious activity easier.

6. Strengthen Cybersecurity

Secure all connected devices and networks with encryption and regular updates. Two-step authentication and intrusion detection systems can also prevent cyber attacks.

7. Utilize AI-Powered Analytics

Integrate artificial intelligence into your security system to analyze data and detect patterns for potential threats. It will help improve response times and prevent future incidents.

8. Train Employees

Proactive employees can be a strong defense against security breaches. Regular security training ensures staff are aware of protocols and potential threats.

Choosing the Right Security System for Your Commercial Building

You should consider the following factors when installing the ideal security system for your commercial building.

1. Building Size

Commercial buildings are usually complex, gigantic structures with partitioned rooms, multiple entrances, and hidden spaces. A security system that can effectively cover all these areas is essential.

Your square foot area as well as architectural partitions should help you determine the ideal security system. A robust and integrated system is necessary for larger buildings to cover all areas.

2. Level of Security Threat

What kind of threat levels will your business likely face? High-risk areas such as data centers, financial institutions, and government offices require advanced security measures such as biometric systems or facial recognition technology.

When curating your security system, factor in industry-specific threats. For example, healthcare providers are subject to HIPAA regulations, requiring a system that can protect sensitive patient information.

3. Types of Business Operations

Varying business operations pose different risks, affecting the kind of security system you should install. Certain industries, like retail or hospitality, may benefit from video surveillance systems for loss prevention and customer safety.

Manufacturing or research facilities may require more advanced access control systems to protect intellectual property and confidential information.

What if your building has different businesses as tenants, and they have varying security needs? Then, a customized and scalable security system may be the best solution.

What if you’re a small business in a huge corporate building? Here are some small business security systems.

4. Scale and Growth Potential

When selecting a security system for your commercial building, always factor in the scale and the growth potential. Will you be expanding your operations soon?

If so, consider investing in a scalable system that will host future growth without requiring significant upgrades.

If your building is part of a larger complex or company, we recommend a security system that integrates with other systems within the complex for enhanced security and efficiency.

Professional Office Building Security Solutions

Always work with a trusted provider like Kentucky Secured for customized and comprehensive security solutions for commercial buildings. We know all about improving business facility security. We assess your building’s unique needs and provide a tailored system with:

1. A digital panel for centralized control and monitoring.
2. Flip card or fingerprint readers for access control.
3. Smartphone integration for remote access and management.
4. Real-time alerts and notifications.
5. Video surveillance with high-resolution cameras.

Ideally, we help you to save in the long term by:

1. Securing your assets and minimizing criminal activities.
2. Helping solve, prosecute, and sue all criminally related activities with high-quality camera surveillance.
3. Avoid losing to unfair lawsuits and reputation damage.
4. Boost employee and client confidence and retention.

What’s the Moral of this Post?

Wise owners and managers of corporate buildings work with Kentucky Secured because we know what a sound security system is for a commercial building. Be wise like others and have us secure your premises using the most advanced technology.

Remember, time = money, and we save you both. Stay safe!