Internal Security – Building Your Defences From The Inside

For years, security has focused on the perimeter – on gates, fences, and external walls. The thinking was simple: if you can keep bad actors out, your people and assets are safe. But this approach overlooks a major threat: the insider. Industry figures indicate that insiders are involved in 60% of all data breaches.

Whether a breach is a deliberate act or a careless mistake, it highlights a crucial point: perimeter security is no longer sufficient. Businesses must now design their protection from the inside out, creating layers of control over who has access to sensitive areas.

Creating Security Zones

The first step in any internal security plan is to identify and protect your most valuable areas. Not every room requires the same level of security, so a risk assessment should be conducted to determine which areas require the most protection. You may find that your server room, data centre, or cash handling areas require stricter controls than the main office.

Once you’ve identified high-risk areas, the next step is to create physical zones to separate them from the rest of the building. This is known as compartmentalisation. The goal is to limit access to sensitive information or equipment, ensuring that even if one area is compromised, the breach remains contained and isolated.

Products like security doors and security walling systems are specifically designed for this purpose. They create internal compartments and secure spaces within your existing facility, offering certified resistance to forced entry, ballistics, and blasts.

Multi-Level Access Control

Once your security zones are in place, you need to enforce them with a clear system for access. This means creating graduated security levels, where permissions are based on a person’s role and their “need to know” requirements.

• For visitors, this means having a clear management protocol in place. They should only be granted temporary access to designated public areas and be accompanied by an authorised person if they need to enter a restricted zone.
• For employees, access should be based on their specific job responsibilities. A finance employee, for example, would have a different clearance than someone on the factory floor.

Entrance control systems, including speed gates and security portals, provide a practical way to manage different access levels. When these are integrated with security doors and transfer units, a business can enforce a full chain of custody for both people and assets, ensuring no one is granted access they haven’t been authorised for.

Designing Against Insider Threats

Protecting against insider threats requires a different plan than stopping intruders from outside. It’s not just about keeping people out; it’s about making sure that those with legitimate access can’t cause harm.

One effective tactic is a two-person protocol, where a minimum of two authorised individuals are required to perform certain sensitive tasks or access specific materials. This creates a system of checks and balances, making it harder for a single person to compromise security.

Physical design can also serve as a deterrent. Strategic placement of surveillance systems and clear signage can discourage inappropriate behaviour. For high-risk areas, surveillance can be used to monitor activities and provide a clear record of who accessed what and when.

The physical presence of a security measure can itself be a deterrent, making it clear that the area is secured and reducing the chance of an unauthorised action.

Protective screens and counters can also be used to create a physical barrier between employees and the public, or during sensitive transactions, to ensure assets or cash are transferred securely without direct contact.

Meeting Compliance Requirements

For many businesses, a multi-layered internal security plan is a necessity. This is particularly true for companies in sectors that handle sensitive data, money, or information related to national security.

• Industry Standards: Products that provide physical protection against attack, such as doors and walls, undergo independent testing to confirm their level of resistance. These products are often rated according to specific standards, such as the European Standard and the Loss Prevention Certification Board, with different ratings indicating the level of resistance to various tools and attack times. The LPCB Red Book, in particular, is a key reference for security professionals and regulators.
• Financial & Government Rules: Businesses that deal with financial services must follow rules to prevent fraud. Similarly, UK government contractors are required to undergo rigorous physical and personnel security checks to safeguard sensitive information. These rules often require documented audit trails, multi-level access, and the ability to prove a clear chain of custody.

By implementing a well-designed internal security system, a business can not only protect itself from insider threats but also demonstrate to auditors and regulators that it has taken the necessary steps to meet its legal obligations.

The Final Layer of Defence

Perimeter security will always be a vital part of a full security plan. But it is only a first layer. The real work of security happens on the inside. By creating secure internal zones, implementing a clear system of access control, and designing against insider threats, businesses can protect their most valuable assets from the vulnerabilities that exist within their own walls. It is a shift in thinking that creates a stronger, more resilient security position.

Discover how Safetell can protect your building, from the inside out. See more here: Safetell.