Week 4 Physical Security Simulation Report
Watching the physical security simulation I learned vast amount of information about the physical security of an organization and the elements that need to be put in place in
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Week 4 Physical Security Simulation Report
Watching the physical security simulation I learned vast amount of information about the physical security of an organization and the elements that need to be put in place in order to keep an area safe from vulnerabilities.
As I was going through the simulation and interacting with the employees at the two different locations, I noticed several key elements to ensuring a secured work area depends on training and education of the staff. In the next few paragraphs I will first talk about my visit at the South Street Offices. Second I will talk about my visit at the Electric Way Branch. My first visit was the Vehicle Security Yard where I spoke with Dan. He is in charge of keeping patrol on security of the vehicles, checking employees IDs and making sure that only the appropriate people have access to the yard. All of the visitors are recorded on the station book order, regardless of their reason for visit. There is a lock box that is issued to certified members who can provide proper identification. I think that Dan has the most training and follows all of the necessary procedures and policies to ensure the Vehicle Yard is kept safe. My second visit was the cash management area, I talked with Margie who is the supervisor but she didn’t want to talk much because she had to leave soon. Margie explained that cash is handled the normal process way. Customer walks up to the counter and the clerk looks up the customer account and adds the cash to the account, after which cash is placed in the drawer and receipt printed and provided to the customers. Next, I talked with Jen and Mark. I found out that Mark had little training and any problems he has he goes to Margie. A huge security flaw I found out is talking with Jen, who said that any security problems she asks Margie or other clerk who should know what needs to be done. From a physical security stand point the counter is not enclosed and easy accessible by customers and the wall safe is not working, it has been broken for couples of weeks. My main
concern is the cash management with Margie, Jen and Mark. Jen and Mark are new and sometimes alone leading to situations where they don’t know what to do. It could be possible that Jen and Mark make bad decision on the spot that could lead to intrusion attacks. My third visit was at the Tools and Equipment Distribution Center where I spoke with Scott. He is in charge of the equipment’s and tools checked out and keep’s track of everything on the notepad and when he has time; he then transfers everything on to the computer. I noticed a few security issues here, because the computer was dusty and the notepad didn’t have a lot of signatures. Also staff members, such as Larry have special permissions and don’t have to sign the notepad to check out tools and equipment. My forth visit was the Custodial Office where I spoke with Manny who is the custodial staff for all the branches. I noticed on his desk requisition forms and I asked him how they work. At first he didn’t want to talk about that but then after a few words he explained how the requisition forms are processed. He also mentioned that supplies are lost, such as mops and cleaning supplies. Further into the discussions I find out that Marvin work’s part-time at the warehouse and also works at the distribution center reporting to Scott. I also find out the Marvin owns his own cleaning business with his girlfriend. With all of this information I suggest that Manny keeps alert on his work and reports security issues to upper management. Clearly there is a physical security issue at the warehouse and we can point at Marvin for lost cleaning supplies. My fifth visit was at the Cash Management area Electric Way Branch. I talked with Stacy about the responsibilities in the cash management are and found out that the cash is stored in the wall safe and it is monitored periodically throughout the day. Also verification is made by two people and the clerk gets regular security training. I get the feeling that Stacey and Arneesha(who is the clerk) are doing a great job and follow correct procedures to keep the large amount of cash kept
daily in the safe deposit box safe. All of which show no sign of vulnerabilities and it shows that they have received the proper security training.
In conclusion, I think that it is impossible to remove all of the threats in an organization, but inside threats are more dangerous than external ones. To deal with security issues companies should have management enforce policies and procedures and punish users who continue to break the policy after the first warning. The best defense for an organization is an educated staff, because the educated staff will protect the information and confidential data of the company. In order for the policy and procedure to work everyone in the organization has to follow them and if there are any employees disagreeing they need to be spoken to immediately. Vulnerabilities will happen when staff is lacking to follow the policies and procedures set to protect the company, its systems, programs and physical locations.
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