Every organisation, no matter its size or industry, is exposed to security risk. From unauthorised access and theft to workplace aggression and procedural failures, these risks can disrupt operations, endanger people, and result in costly consequences if left unmanaged.
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we help businesses, councils, and property managers across Western Australia understand, manage, and reduce security risks through structured, independent assessments and practical recommendations.
This article breaks down the types of security risk you may be facing, how they can be mitigated, and what steps you can take today to better protect your people, property, and operations.
What Is Security Risk?
A security risk is any potential threat that could negatively impact your people, property, reputation, or operational continuity due to unauthorised actions, negligence, or failures in systems or procedures.
Unlike isolated security incidents, a risk is about the potential for harm—and how likely and serious that harm could be. Effective security risk management involves identifying those threats early and putting the right controls in place to reduce the chance of them occurring or reduce their impact if they do.
Common Types of Security Risks
Security risks vary by location, industry, and environment, but some risks are common across most sectors. These include:
Unauthorised Access
This involves individuals entering restricted areas without permission—either through physical intrusion, tailgating, or the misuse of access credentials.
Impacts: theft, data exposure, safety hazards
Contributors: poor access control, lack of monitoring, weak credential management
Theft and Burglary
This may involve break-ins, internal theft by staff or contractors, or the targeting of valuable equipment or stock.
Impacts: asset loss, operational downtime, increased insurance premiums
Contributors: poor perimeter security, lack of surveillance, no asset tracking
Workplace Aggression or Violence
Aggressive behaviour from members of the public, customers, or staff can pose serious safety and legal risks—especially in high-stress, public-facing environments.
Impacts: injury, reputational damage, legal liability
Contributors: lack of staff training, inadequate response protocols, insufficient duress systems
Vandalism and Antisocial Behaviour
Repeated damage to property, graffiti, loitering, or drug use around your site can affect safety, community trust, and cost.
Impacts: maintenance costs, public image, reduced foot traffic
Contributors: poor lighting, lack of surveillance, inactivated or poorly designed spaces
Procedural and Policy Gaps
Even with the right systems in place, poor internal processes can lead to exposure—such as staff not following sign-in protocols, not locking areas after hours, or unclear escalation procedures during incidents.
Impacts: uncontrolled risk, inconsistent responses, regulatory non-compliance
Contributors: outdated SOPs, insufficient training, weak leadership oversight
Technology Failure or Misuse
Faulty or misconfigured CCTV, expired access control systems, or poorly integrated monitoring platforms can create a false sense of security.
Impacts: reduced situational awareness, inability to review incidents, system downtime
Contributors: ageing infrastructure, lack of maintenance, overcomplicated systems
How to Mitigate Security Risk
Security risk can’t be eliminated entirely—but it can be reduced to a manageable, acceptable level. The goal is to implement a combination of strategies that suit your site, operations, and risk profile.
Start with a Security Risk Assessment
The first step is understanding your exposure. A professional security risk assessment involves:
- Site walkthroughs and inspections
- Review of current systems and controls
- Stakeholder consultation
- Risk identification and likelihood-impact analysis
- Prioritised recommendations
This gives you a clear picture of where your vulnerabilities lie and what actions to take next.
Implement Layered Controls
A layered approach to security includes:
- Physical controls (e.g. fencing, gates, locks)
- Electronic controls (e.g. CCTV, alarms, access control)
- Administrative controls (e.g. policies, SOPs, incident logs)
- Human factors (e.g. staff awareness, response capability, training)
Each layer supports the others, reducing reliance on any single method.
Regularly Review and Update Systems
Security risks evolve. As your site grows, your team changes, or external threats increase, your controls should adapt too. Regular reviews ensure your measures remain effective and relevant.
Train Staff and Strengthen Procedures
A well-trained team is your first line of defence. Ensure staff know:
- How to respond to threats or incidents
- What the reporting and escalation process is
- How to use the systems you have in place
Having the right tools means nothing if people don’t know how or when to use them.
How Smartsec Security Solutions Helps You Manage Risk
As an independent security consulting firm, we provide clear, unbiased advice—based solely on what your site and people need. We don’t sell or install equipment, which means our only priority is helping you find the right solution.
We support businesses, councils, property managers, and institutions across Perth and WA with services including:
- Comprehensive security risk assessments
- CCTV and access control planning
- SOP and policy development
- CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) reviews
- Lighting and perimeter audits
- Control room and monitoring reviews
- Tender scope writing and vendor evaluation
Our recommendations are practical, compliant with ISO 31000 and relevant Australian Standards, and always tailored to your risk, operations, and budget.
The Benefits of Working with Us
By engaging Smartsec Security Solutions to help manage your security risk, you gain:
- Clarity – Know exactly where your risks lie and what needs to be done
- Confidence – Make informed decisions backed by independent analysis
- Control – Choose systems and approaches that suit your needs—not what’s being sold to you
- Compliance – Meet insurance, WHS, and audit requirements with defensible reports
- Cost-efficiency – Avoid unnecessary spending on systems or features you don’t need
Whether you’re preparing for a new project, responding to recent incidents, or reviewing your site as part of a safety plan—we’re here to guide you with confidence.
Need Help Reducing Security Risk? Let’s Talk
Security risk is real—but it’s manageable with the right structure, planning, and advice. Our independent, strategic approach helps you protect what matters—without overspending or relying on generic solutions.
To speak with our team or request a risk review, visit our Security Consulting Services page.
Let’s reduce risk, improve resilience, and make your environment safer for everyone.
