Back to the Basics

Back to the Basics

Security is a continuous evolution of practices and procedures. The developments in technology and advancements in threats make security difficult at times. Although security from one location may look different from another location, there is a common goal applied to security measures. The common goal is protection.

To understand what your security measures are protecting, you must know what your assets are. Why are your assets important and to what degree of damage would the loss of these assets cause. Loss is not defined solely in monetary value, but also in life. Security practitioners are familiar with common assets that require protection. People will always be an asset however; the degree of damage the loss of people cause will differ from one location to another.

Structures are another common asset that requires protection. A basic question to ask regarding this asset is, can the mission continue in another location or structure? Alternatively, will the loss of your current location cause significant impacts in operations? Information systems are now inevitable in any business and are an important asset. With information systems, the physical loss is not as high as the loss of information on the information systems. Protection of this asset will obviously look different from those security measures protecting person or structures.

Why bring up the common knowledge of what assets are and how the loss of those assets can affect a business?

Because security requirements shift, creating an unacknowledged gap in basic security measures. The shift in requirements may be based on a new project or customer however; the security measures may be shifted or altered but they do not change. Evaluate all assets to determine the proper type of security. It is the security practitioner’s responsibility to address the assets and applicable security measures.

What security practitioners should focus on is getting back to the basics. Security practices and procedures have developed into an extensive list of “check the box” items that standard security measures have become an afterthought. Back to the basics consists of physical security, information security and staff security.

Physical security should focus on basic access requirements to facilities, information and information systems. Information security should focus on proper handling (including marking and destruction) and safeguarding of information. Staff security should focus on applicable clearances, reporting and access levels.

When security practitioners focus on the basics, day-to-day, their entire security program can be manageable. Back to the basics’ principles are lost when security practitioners lose focus and turn to a reactive mode. Reactive mode can occur for many reasons. One reason may be that the security practitioner is overwhelmed with the amount of work they have. A lack of organization skills may cause an overwhelming feeling. Another reason may be that the security practitioner lacks understanding or even experience in some or all of the security disciplines required for their position. What is important is that the security practitioner acknowledges they do not know everything and knows where to find the answers.

Operating in a reactive mode will never allow any security program to be effective. If a security practitioner finds himself or herself in this situation, they should take a moment to step back and reflect as to why they are in their current position. There could be a multitude of reasons why: lack in management support; lack of funding; or lack in expertise, to name a few. Identifying this cause is a great step towards identifying the best solution. In the end, a security practitioner should be honest with themselves in regards to their knowledge, expertise and capability in creating, implementing, and managing a security program.

About the Author

Dr. Megan Schulze has more than 20 years of experience with the Department of Defense. She obtained her Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Homeland Security Leadership and Policy. Schulze has created, implemented and managed multiple security disciplines.

Featured

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

  • Report: Cyber Attackers Continue to Turn to AI-Based Tools to Avoid Detection

    Comcast Business recently released its 2025 Cybersecurity Threat Report, a comprehensive analysis of 34.6 billion cybersecurity events detected between June 1,2024 and May 31, 2025. Now in its third year, the report offers business leaders a unique perspective into the evolving threat landscape and provides actionable insights to help organizations strengthen their defenses and align cybersecurity with business risk. Read Now

  • Axis Communications Creates AI-powered Video Surveillance Orchestra

    What if cameras could not only see the world, but interpret it—and respond like orchestra musicians reading sheet music: instantly, precisely, and in perfect harmony? That’s what global network technology leader Axis Communications set to find out. Read Now

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.