Businesses See Security Threats Grow As Economy Weakens

Nov 11, 2008 10:39 AM

Security experts and providers are seeing increasing demand from a number of organizations and individuals who may not have needed security services in the past. Roger Ameriks from Crown Security Group in New Zealand is one such witness.

Ameriks and his staff are seeing the world's financial sector in the security spotlight as stress levels rise.

"Protocols need to be put in place to address all issues of security and personal safety in the business environment. We're getting a lot of enquiries from people reassessing their security needs," Ameriks says.

Redundancies are a sad reality of the world's struggling economy, with tens of thousands of people losing their jobs in recent months. Ameriks says disgruntled employees burdened by financial worries can give rise to a host of security threats for a company.

"Employers need to consider security issues when making redundancies. It's prudent to have a discreet security presence at redundancy announcements and meetings in case tensions boil over," Ameriks says. "An ex-employee has an intimate knowledge of a business, so measures need to be taken to remove risks to people and property should someone decide to act on their frustration at losing their job."

As economies falls on hard times, the likelihood of rifts between business partners and colleagues also increases. In many years of security at the highest level, Ameriks has seen anger erupt into physical aggression in numerous settings -- including the boardroom.

"Financial pressure pushes people into desperation, and they do things they wouldn't normally do. Things can turn ugly very quickly - good security is about being one step ahead to avoid that."

Corporate heads may also face threats to their personal safety in an ailing economy as people vent their anger at losing money, or their jobs.

"Contrary to popular belief, close personal protection is not just for celebrities. For a businessperson feeling vulnerable, having a protection professional looking after their personal safety allows them to get on with their lives and running their business, and know they are safe doing it," Ameriks says.

Employee theft is another aspect to consider as people feel the pinch of a turbulent economy and rising living costs. A security audit can significantly reduce the risk of a company falling victim according to Ameriks.

Ultimately, he says addressing security in a business or organization is not about scaremongering or raising suspicion. "It's about raising awareness of security issues and putting sound systems in place to keep people and the business safe from the very real threats that are out there these days."

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

This month in Access Control

• Targeting The Customer
• Electronic Pedigrees
• One Hero Among Many
• Who? What? When? Where? Why?
• More from September's issue