Preventing unauthorized access in tech campuses: Office security systems and best practices

It’s common to think of cybersecurity and physical security as two separate operations. However, in the modern world, a threat to one can impact both. Tech campuses need proactive solutions capable of protecting data, property, and people.

In this article we’ll look at major security issues that tech offices face, as well as office security systems and other strategies for combating those threats.

Why unauthorized access is a growing concern for tech offices

Not a single business is safe from a data breach or cyberattack—protecting data has never been more crucial. Yet, a robust cybersecurity strategy is meaningless if it’s paired with lax on-premise security.

That’s especially true for tech campuses confronting growing concerns about unauthorized access and the potential serious consequences, such as:

• Intellectual property theft
• Physical access data breaches
• Compliance risk in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, government)

Key security threats for tech campuses and large office buildings

Organizations across industries understand what’s at stake when it comes to guarding data and intellectual property. A data breach can disrupt a company’s ability to function, and cause irreparable harm to the reputation.

Like with cybersecurity, threat awareness is key to building robust, proactive office security systems. Here are the top three threats for tech campuses and large office buildings:

• Physical breaches by disgruntled employees, competitors, or trespassers
• Shared workspaces and flexible office models that house multiple companies with confusing, overwhelming access protocols
• Open campus layouts with multiple entry points that complicate the enforcement of strict security rules

The role of access control in office security

Access control is one of the main proactive tools for solving security challenges on tech campuses.

A door access control system replaces physical keys with digital sensors, locks, and card readers. They work in unison to create a layer of protection that safeguards against unauthorized access.

On a campus that houses sensitive data and valuable assets, door access control makes it easy to customize clearance protocols. As a result, only authorized individuals can gain entry in and out of specified rooms.

Organizations can tailor authorizations to fit office security needs, track and record all entry and exit activity, and adjust settings remotely.

Surveillance and video monitoring: strengthening security for tech offices

Video and monitoring systems protect tech offices from potential threats with surveillance technology and expert support that deters intruders and improves response time.

Security cameras are the heart of a video system, with state-of-the-art capabilities that capture, record, and prevent suspicious activity. Modern cameras utilize AI-powered analytics that can distinguish irregular patterns of movement and behavior. They can also send an alert in advance of a possible security event.

Proper camera placement at key areas—like entrances, hallways, and parking lots—ensures full visibility of the work space, offering peace of mind that no staff or physical area is in a vulnerable position.

Live monitoring takes security a step further, with 24/7 monitoring from professional agents trained to help detect, confirm, and respond to security threats in real time. Live video monitoring is proven to prevent crime before it occurs, delivering a range of benefits for organizations.

Integrating video monitoring with access control creates a unified office security solution, making it easier to track entry and prevent security breaches across the entire property.

Security guards and on-site personnel for high-risk office buildings

On-site security agents can offer protection for organizations dealing with the following security challenges or situations:

• Large, expansive campuses with excessive foot traffic
• Research and development labs working on prototypes or other cutting-edge technology
• Location in a high-crime area with a history of vandalism and crime to nearby offices
• Presence of high-value equipment, data, or confidential information

On-the-ground security personnel can perform a variety of duties, including:

• Standing guard: On-site experts familiar with the office security system and trained to help keep the staff and property safe.
• Agent response: An agent who is available and guaranteed to respond in the event of a triggered alarm on the tech campus.
• Guard patrol: Trained experts who patrol and stand guard on the office property as a visible, clear deterrent.

On-site guards and security personnel complement access control and video technology with a key element: on-the-ground expertise. Tech campuses seeking to protect sensitive property and data can fortify their security operations by combining security technology with a human presence.

Preventing tailgating and unauthorized entry in tech offices

The evolution of security technology mirrors the increase in security threats. One of those issues is tailgating. Also known as piggybacking, tailgating is a security breach that occurs when a person with no security access or clearance follows an authorized person into a controlled location, undetected.

Usually, tailgating succeeds because of carelessness on the part of the authorized person. It can lead to extremely damaging security breaches.

Here are three simple ways to prevent tailgating and other unauthorized entries:

• Installing turnstiles, intercom systems, and mantraps: These act as physical barriers and an additional security step, keeping unauthorized individuals from following legitimate employees into secure areas.
• Employee training: An effective security training for all staff ensures everyone is aware and prepared to recognize threats, as well as spot and report tailgating incidents.
• Enforcing strict badge policies and multi-factor authentication: Some tech campuses require badge checks and multi-factor authentication, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.

Building a secure office environment

A modern tech campus faces a modern barrage of security challenges. A roaming security guard or a few security cameras might have sufficed in the past. But today, ensuring the safety of staff, data, and property takes more than that. You can build responsive, comprehensive office security operations by layering advanced technology with professional expertise.

If you’re interested in upgrading your office security and want a proven partner to help find the best system for you, contact Bay Alarm today and speak to an expert.