6 common physical security threats in the workplace (and how to get ahead of them)

There is no singular way to keep a workplace safe anymore. In fact, regardless of the environment, companies need to employ multiple security strategies to ward off physical security threats.

Company leaders must also understand which threats they are most susceptible to so that they don’t spend money on ineffective security solutions. A retail store will have different security requirements than an insurance company, but at the same time, both could benefit from security cameras and access control systems.  

    

Table of contents

• What does physical security cover?
• 6 common physical security threats in the workplace
• How to keep your company safe

    

Physical security companies that want to navigate 2025 (and beyond) successfully must also adapt their approaches to address traditional and emerging threats. This article will highlight the most common physical security challenges plaguing workplaces, and provide some actionable steps on how to stay ahead of the threats.

    

What does physical security cover?

Cybersecurity is more important than ever. With loyalty programs, online payments and detailed customer profiles, every company needs to ensure it has the proper safeguards in place to protect invaluable personal data. But that doesn’t mean there is no longer a need for physical security. Physical security barriers protect a company’s people, assets, and property from physical harm or damage.

Physical security can help shield a company from:

• Intentional and accidental damage
• Minor and major physical attacks
• Internal and external threats
• Constant, ongoing threats or rare occurrences

    

6 common physical security threats in the workplace

As noted earlier, many physical security threats are unique to the company’s activities and environment. But these 6 physical security threats create challenges for virtually any company.

    

1. Employee accidents

Sometimes, honest mistakes can be as damaging as intentional actions. Work accidents like the ones listed below generally occur because a staff member wasn’t properly educated during training, or is overwhelmed with work. Having a security guard on site may help reduce the impact of the mistakes made by staff (they can spot the issue before something bad occurs):   

• A secure area is left open or unlocked
• A key, card or other access tool is lost or misplaced
• A staff member provides access to someone who should not have it
• Equipment or materials fall or are used in a manner that damages property or causes injury

    

2. Employee theft   

Unfortunately, employees can pose physical security threats. “Bad actors” can steal assets or intentionally damage company property. Merchandise theft, refund fraud, cash/deposit theft, and passing off merchandise to friends are the top four reported methods of internal theft, reports the National Retail Security Survey. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the top two common sectors for employee theft are banking and financial services, and manufacturing. 

There have even been situations where staff will collaborate with outside actors and help them bypass physical security systems.  

    

3. Equipment failures

Technology and automation have become valuable assets for all types of businesses. But they are not perfect, and problems can occur if a system or piece of equipment starts to malfunction.

Power outages, for example, can leave physical security systems down, preventing access control systems from doing their jobs.

This is one key reason why having a layered security approach is essential. Other strategies will fill in the gaps left by ones that have failed temporarily.  

    

4. Vandalism

This is one traditional threat that isn’t going anywhere. At best, a broken window is an annoyance and an unnecessary expense. But if the window is not repaired immediately, a brazen thief may take advantage of this weakened security barrier to enter the company and steal assets.   

    

5. External theft

People try to steal groceries, makeup, and small electronics every day. Retail companies are extremely aware of how prevalent shoplifting is, which is why they hire security guards and ensure the guards are visible to customers.  

However, thieves also target wholesalers, manufacturers, and other companies with items of value. Confidential documents or sensitive information can be just as attractive to thieves, depending on what they intend to do with the stolen goods, and stolen data is generally more damaging to a business than high-end merchandise.  

Companies are encouraged to hire guards who perform routine patrols after hours in addition to installing alarms and/or cameras. While a camera might get a look at a thief, it cannot stop them from completing a theft. A trained guard can prevent someone from taking off with valuable data or materials.    

    

6. Civil unrest or violence

While not as common as the other threats, simply being in the wrong location at the wrong time can put a company in danger.

A violent protest or riot can unravel quickly, and with hundreds of people in a condensed area, it can be impossible to contain the situation in time.

    

How to keep your company safe

Taking proactive steps is the best way to stop threats from occurring. But physical security is a complex matter, and it can be hard to know where to start.

    

Conduct regular risk assessments

A security risk assessment identifies, evaluates, and prioritizes potential vulnerabilities to your business. After completing one, you can determine with more confidence which risks are most likely to impact your company.

Once you can identify relevant threats, the company can proactively prepare to minimize risks.

 The assessment also provides an executive summary of the effectiveness of current security efforts, and of areas where employees need training to help reduce mistakes and accidents from occurring.

    

Use multi-layered strategies

Implement layers of defense to create a robust security barrier that can withstand more sophisticated attacks.

For example, limit access to sensitive locations or assets. Only those who need to have access to do their jobs should receive it.  

Surveillance cameras are another good method for deterring opportunistic crimes and keeping employees honest.

    

Harmonize physical and cybersecurity

This ties into the last step. Physical security and cybersecurity complement each other. The two should be treated as part of a holistic security strategy instead of different solutions. Converged security covers more gaps and strengthens your defenses.

    

Educate employees

Employees can play a big part in keeping each other, and the company, safe. Equip your workforce with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize the most impactful threats to your organization, as well as how to reduce them. Assess your onboarding program to see if it adequately covers security issues and solutions.  

    

Watch for emerging threats

Look for news of emerging threats, technologies, and industry best practices, or ask your security team to share this information with you. Preventive security must continue evolving since new threats are always on the horizon.

    

Conclusion

Having a solid, layered plan is crucial to maintaining safety and security in the workplace. Implementing the right technology, and training staff to be prepared for the unexpected, will keep your business operating smoothly, even when things don’t go according to plan.