Approximately half of businesses in America experience physical unauthorized access incidents each year based on recent reports from the security sector. Those incidents can have serious repercussions for businesses that range from property damage and theft to data breaches and violence toward employees and customers. Dealing with the aftermath of those events is often a costly and time-consuming process, and some businesses ultimately never recover from them.

Preventing Physical Security Breaches

Though today’s business owners are well aware of the dangers of security breaches, many are sorely unprepared for them. Implementing access control systems is an effective way to mitigate the risks and improve business safety. Consider some of the ways access control can protect businesses as well as their employees and visitors.

Preventing Unauthorized Access

At the most basic level, access control systems prevent unauthorized entry. Different types of systems use varying methods to keep intruders at bay from simple locks and keys to more advanced solutions like fingerprint and retina scanners. Simpler solutions, like locks and keys, aren’t necessarily the most effective options. On the other hand, not all businesses have the budgets for biometric systems. For many, finding a middle ground is best, such as using keycards, PIN codes, or mobile app-based systems.

Controlling Internal Access

Access control isn’t always limited to keeping intruders out of a business. Preventing unauthorized personnel from entering specific internal areas of a business may also be important. Access control systems can serve that purpose as well. They can limit employees’ access to restricted or potentially dangerous areas, such as server rooms, manufacturing floors, warehouse spaces, and executive offices. That protects businesses’ tangible assets as well as their sensitive information.

Reducing Internal Theft

Though preventing intruders from stealing products, materials, and information is important, many businesses fail to address the issue of internal theft. Employees themselves perpetrate an estimated 30 percent of business theft. As much as 90 percent of losses from security breaches, both physical and digital, can be linked to employees in one way or another. Limiting employee access to different areas of businesses can prevent a great deal of that risk.

Monitoring and Recording

Additionally, access control systems can offer monitoring and recording capabilities. They can log each time a person attempts to enter a business or specific areas of it, recording who tried to gain access, when, and whether they were successful. That provides valuable information that businesses can use to track security breaches, prosecute those responsible, and strengthen their defenses to prevent future incidents. Sometimes, knowing they’re being monitored and recorded is enough to deter people from trying to commit crimes.

Protecting Businesses in Multiple Ways

Security breaches have always been a concern for businesses. At this point, though, they’re growing not only more frequent but also more detrimental. Incidents like these cause more losses than many businesses can recover from. While criminals often target businesses from the outside, many security breaches come from within. Access control systems can help address and prevent external and internal threats. They protect businesses from multiple angles.