With the current need for social distancing and many states currently sheltering in place, COVID-19 has led to a significant amount of the global workforce to be working from their homes. In these unprecedented circumstances, many business facilities across the world are either currently low occupancy or entirely vacant, creating a new set of complications and vulnerabilities for organizations at this time. Below is a checklist of important security practices to consider when leaving facilities unattended for an extended period.
Program access control schedules and provisions of who can access areas and when
Verify all cardholders in the server are active
Run access control reports to understand who/when have accessed certain areas
Check access levels and accuracy
Test and verify lockdown systems and procedures
Check all interior and exterior locks for proper functioning
Validate all card readers are functional
Update server and management software to the latest version
Adjust open and close schedules
Update alarm call lists
Implement video verification
Set up daily test reports
Test & inspect security sensors and devices
Test & inspect all fire detection and extinguishing devices
Facilitate remote monitoring
Enable cellular backup communication
Update all panels to the latest firmware
Provision remote monitoring
Download and set-up mobile applications
Clean, aim, and focus interior and exterior cameras
Verify 30, 60, or 90 day recording
Confirm all cameras are functioning and critical areas are covered
Update server and management software to the latest version
Verify data archives and backups
Test & inspect door intercom and other communication systems
Establish remote training on all systems and functionality
Verify cyber hardening and readiness of critical systems
In addition to these basic guidelines, there are many solutions and technologies available to further enhance facility security during this time. It’s circumstances like these that preparation and risk control are more important than ever. Convergint is here to provide the solutions needed to keep facilities safe and secure.
