In 2024, businesses in the United States suffered over $454 million in losses due to cargo theft alone, according to CargoNet. With new theft trends, it’s more critical than ever for companies to invest in long-term security measures that protect their assets, employees, and bottom line.
This article will explore the risks of relying solely on short-term security solutions and highlight the leading long-term security options to keep your business safe for the long haul.
What Can Happen if You Only Implement Short-Term Security at Your Business?
Short-term solutions are great additions for large events or in-between system upgrades. However, depending exclusively on short-term security options, such as employing temporary guards or installing basic alarms, can leave your business vulnerable in the long run. When these measures become outdated or fail, criminals can easily exploit the gaps in your security.
Some key risks of short-term security include:
- Outdated equipment that criminals can bypass with modern techniques
- Higher long-term costs from constantly replacing or upgrading temporary measures
- Inconsistent protection that leaves your business exposed when measures end or fail
- Inability to comprehensively monitor and protect your entire property perimeter
- Lack of integration between security components for a unified defense
- A higher risk of theft, property damage, and liability without robust deterrents in place
- A reactive rather than proactive approach to security that allows criminals to strike first and leaves you scrambling to recover
- Inadequate coverage during off-hours, weekends, and holidays, when theft is most likely to occur
While short-term options may seem cheaper upfront, the costs and consequences of a security breach far outweigh the initial savings. Security breaches can result in more than stolen inventory, equipment, and materials — those consequences include the potential for damaged property, lost employee productivity, legal liability, and a tarnished reputation that deters customers as well as partners.
That’s why investing in integrated, long-term security solutions is essential for any business serious about protecting its property, people, and profitability.
Layered Security Options for Long-Term Business Security
A layered, integrated security strategy is the most effective way to secure your business for the long term. Combining multiple deterrents that work together 24/7 allows you to maximize protection while minimizing gaps that criminals could exploit.
Here are the top security options to consider for lasting, unified business security:
1. Electric Fencing
Long-term security starts at the perimeter. Electric security fencing creates an imposing physical barrier that stops criminals in their tracks. The electric fence and its warning signs caution would-be intruders that your property is well-secured. If a criminal attempts to gain access, the electric fence delivers a safe but memorable pulsed shock that deters further intrusion attempts.
To ensure long-term perimeter protection, partner with a security provider that offers routine maintenance and lifetime upgrades. With regular maintenance and upgrades, your electric fence will continue operating at peak performance to deter unauthorized access.
2. Security Lighting
Integrated security lighting keeps your property illuminated, eliminating hiding spots for criminals. Place lights strategically in the following spaces to ensure proper security:
- Along your fence line, integrated with your electric fence to flood the area with light if a criminal attempts to breach the perimeter
- At entries and exits to illuminate visitors for proper identification
- In high-risk areas such as parking lots, loading docks, or remote buildings
- Around valuable areas like equipment storage or server rooms
Bright lights can help deter opportunistic criminals. For those who plan and premeditate their crimes, security lighting will draw attention to their presence. This illumination helps security cameras capture clear footage 24/7 and allows security personnel to identify the criminals.
3. Cameras
Video surveillance systems provide real-time monitoring and recording of your property. Security cameras capture footage of suspicious activity around the perimeter and within the facility, allowing you to swiftly detect threats. They also provide evidence to help law enforcement personnel identify criminals.
Pairing your video surveillance system with remote and mobile video monitoring solutions ensures you can keep an eye on your property at all times. You can view live and recorded surveillance footage from your mobile devices anytime, anywhere. Security professionals continuously visually verify alarms by scanning remote monitoring systems for threats in real time. These systems allow you to catch criminals in the act if they attempt to gain access to your property, making it easy to coordinate with law enforcement and ensure proper response.
4. Access Control Systems
Gate Access Control restricts entry to authorized personnel and vehicles only for stronger perimeter security. It allows you to prevent unauthorized access with measures such as:
- Credential readers
- License plate recognition
- Specialized gate locks
- Video intercoms
With an access control system, you can customize entry requirements by person, vehicle, location, and time for total control. For large properties with multiple gates, consider a centralized access control system. By integrating video cameras, you can visually verify and communicate with visitors before granting access.
5. Intrusion Detection
Building intrusion detection systems secure vulnerable points prone to internal theft attempts, such as offices, warehouses, and interior spaces with valuable assets. These systems allow you to deny access to weak points like windows or doors with motion sensors, glass break detectors, and door contacts.
Integrating video surveillance with intrusion alarms provides instant video verification of the threat for priority response. Cameras start recording when sensors are tripped to capture footage of intruders, allowing you to catch the criminals.
6. Cybersecurity Measures
Beyond physical security measures, strong cybersecurity is a crucial component of any comprehensive long-term strategy. Implement robust measures like firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption, and multifactor authentication to safeguard your networks. These measures also keep sensitive data from unauthorized access and prevent your perimeter or buildings from being breached.
You should also protect your systems from malware and viruses with advanced antivirus software. Regularly back up critical data to secure off-site or cloud storage to ensure business continuity in case of a breach or disaster. By prioritizing cybersecurity, you can protect your digital and physical assets as well as your reputation from costly cyber threats.
7. Continuous Security Training
Your employees can either contribute to or detract from your security, so investing in continuous security training is essential for long-term protection. Develop a comprehensive training program that educates staff on identifying and responding to potential risks, such as suspicious emails, social engineering tactics, or unauthorized access attempts.
Training should also cover best practices for strong passwords, secure data handling, and safe internet usage. Regularly reinforce this training through interactive modules, simulated phishing tests, and hands-on workshops. To foster a culture of vigilance and accountability, you should encourage employees to report any security concerns promptly.
Partner With AMAROK for Multi-Layered, Long-Term Security Solutions
When it comes to protecting your business, don’t settle for stopgap measures. Investing in long-term security solutions provides comprehensive, ongoing protection against evolving criminal threats. By integrating proven solutions like electric fencing, strategic lighting, video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection, you can create a formidable defense that stops crime before it happens.
AMAROK specializes in integrated, full-perimeter security solutions tailored to your business’s unique needs, including our flagship solution, The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence. Our experienced security professionals conduct free threat assessments to identify system vulnerabilities and recommend the optimal combination of long-term security measures.
Contact AMAROK today at (803) 786-6333 to protect your business with our multi-layered long-term security systems.
