Securing the financial sector
Security in the financial sector has come a long way in the last 30 years. Trading floors across the Square Mile that used to rely on standard five-lever mortice locks now employ electromechanical and access control systems that are encrypted to multiple secure levels.
In fact, the most notable shift has been from masterkeying to access control. That is not to say that masterkey systems have no place in the financial sector; an ongoing trend is for mechanical solutions to be added to an access control system as secondary line of defence. This follows the CTSA’s advice in regard to “A Layered” security system using the “Deter, Detect, and Delay” strategy. A simple solution that has a proven track record.
Access Control
Trading floors can certainly benefit from access control and mechanical solutions.
These areas are potentially vulnerable to disruption from protestors or action groups, making controlling movement without compromising accessibility essential. This is just one of the challenges that the industry faces, and it is only by working closely with the police, approved locksmiths and systems integrators that outdated security can be adequately replaced.
It is not only a case of upgrading mechanical security. The latest British and European Safety and Security Standards are critical in a duty of care, and the latest building regulations. Some institutions may need to modernise aging access control systems that no longer comply, and the most cost effective and least disruptive way of achieving this is by using electric locking, and electro mechanical cylinders. This method transforms a mechanical door into an access-controlled door without the need to lay metres of extra cable, while this simple process reduces the disruption in the workplace.
Integrating Physical Security
Integrating an electro-mechanical access control system not only reduces maintenance costs, it is easily employed as part of a two-tiered system for a higher level of security. This type of system has proven results in terms of attack resistance and reliability, and can help to reduce high insurance premiums, and is also environmentally friendly in regard to installation and performance.
Areas that might need tighter security include server rooms and plant rooms as well as Human Resources, Payroll and the Asset Warehouse, which stores thousands of pounds worth of IT equipment. These can be secured instantly with ease, and more importantly cope with future change with minimal disruption.
A fully integrated system offers further benefits in terms of the audit trail that online software can produce, allowing facilities managers to track exactly who is using which door and when. This comprehensive auditing is for the safety and care of everyone in the building, while also offering obvious security benefits.
Less common, but certainly increasing in popularity, are building management systems. Lighting, CCTV, integrating the building’s security with wider technologies within the building, including elevators are all easily added.
Conclusion
The ongoing move towards system integration and access control can only benefit the financial sector, but there is still an opportunity for the security industry to work even more closely with the end users.
Tom Jenkins
Abloy UK
Regional Sales Manager
