Top ten guidelines

Whether you are creating, reviewing, or updating your security plans, keep these key points in mind:

• carry out a risk assessment to decide on the threats you might be facing and their likelihood. Identify your vulnerabilities and the potential impact of exploitation.
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• if acquiring or extending premises, consider security at the planning stage. It will be cheaper and more effective than adding measures later.
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• make security awareness part of your organisation's culture and ensure security is represented at a senior level.
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• ensure good basic housekeeping throughout your premises. Keep public areas tidy and well-lit, remove unnecessary furniture and keep garden areas clear.
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• keep access points to a minimum and issue staff and visitors with passes. Where possible, do not allow unauthorised vehicles close to your building.
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• install appropriate physical measures such as locks, alarms, CCTV surveillance, complementary lighting and glazing protection.
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• examine your mail-handling procedures
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• when recruiting staff or hiring contractors, check identities and follow up references.
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• consider how best to protect your information and take proper IT security precautions. Examine your methods for disposing of confidential waste.
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• plan and test your business continuity plans, ensuring that you can continue to function without access to your main premises and IT systems.
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