Managing security risk isn’t just about installing cameras or locking doors. It involves understanding the threats your organisation faces, the weaknesses that could be exploited, and the impact those risks could have on people, assets, operations and reputation.
In Perth and across Western Australia, organisations in government, education, commercial, health and infrastructure sectors are increasingly expected to demonstrate due diligence when it comes to managing security risks. This means moving beyond reactive responses and building a system that is proactive, evidence-based and defensible.
So what does effective security risk management actually look like?
What It Means to Manage Security Risk
Managing security risk involves four foundational concepts:
- Identifying threats that could affect your workplace, facility or event
- Understanding vulnerabilities in your physical environment, technology and procedures
- Assessing the likelihood and consequences of those risks
- Implementing risk treatments to reduce, transfer, eliminate or accept those risks
This process is often structured around ISO 31000:2018 – Risk Management, the international standard widely used in Australia.
The Role of a Security Risk Assessment
The first step in managing security risk is conducting a security risk assessment. This provides a clear picture of where risks exist and how serious they are. A typical assessment includes:
- Reviewing site layout, operations and critical assets
- Identifying threats such as theft, aggression, unauthorised entry, sabotage, vehicle-based threats or internal misconduct
- Inspecting vulnerabilities in CCTV, access control, lighting, fencing, procedures, training and culture
- Rating risks based on likelihood and consequence
- Providing a risk register with treatment priorities
Without this foundation, organisations often spend money on security technology without knowing whether it will actually reduce risk.
Developing Risk Treatments
Once risks have been identified and rated, the next phase is to determine how to treat them. Security risk treatments can include:
- Reduce the risk – Improve CCTV, access control, policies, lighting or monitoring
- Eliminate the risk – Remove the hazard entirely (e.g. restricting access to a high-risk area)
- Transfer the risk – Use insurance, contracts or outsourcing to shift responsibility
- Accept the risk – If it is low or unavoidable but still monitored
A treatment plan should include actions, responsible persons, timelines and monitoring requirements.
Managing Security Risk Using CPTED Principles
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) plays a critical role in reducing security risk using design and layout, not just physical barriers.
Key CPTED principles used in managing security risk include:
- Natural surveillance – Clear sightlines, open spaces and reduced concealment
- Access control – Paths, fencing, gates and building design that guide legitimate movement
- Territorial reinforcement – Signage, lighting and maintenance that signal ownership and care
- Maintenance and activity support – Well-maintained spaces discourage crime and antisocial behaviour
For local governments, universities, developers and commercial properties in Perth, CPTED assessments are often part of planning approvals or redevelopment projects.
Lighting Assessments and After-Hours Security
Lighting is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce security risk. A lighting assessment evaluates:
- Light levels against AS/NZS 1158 standards
- Uniformity of lighting across pathways, carparks and entry points
- Glare, shadows and visibility of CCTV cameras
- Opportunities for natural surveillance and after-hours safety
Poor lighting increases the risk of theft, vandalism, aggression and slip or trip hazards. Good lighting improves perception of safety and incident response.
Policies, Procedures and Training
Managing security risk requires more than technology and design. It depends heavily on people and processes.
Key procedural elements include:
- Security policies and protocols
- Visitor and contractor access procedures
- Duress and emergency response plans
- Incident reporting and escalation pathways
- Staff training for aggression management, conflict resolution and lockdown scenarios
Policies must be realistic, regularly reviewed and actually followed—not just documented.
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) and Event Risk Management
For workplaces, public events and crowded spaces, vehicle-based threats are now a recognised risk category.
Managing this risk may include:
- Temporary or permanent vehicle barriers
- Controlled access points and traffic flow
- Collaboration with traffic planning teams and local councils
- Development of a Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Plan aligned with ISO 22343-1
When planning public events in Perth, local governments often require a Security Risk Assessment and HVM plan as part of event approval processes.
Why Independent Security Consultants Are Essential
Many organisations rely on security providers who sell and install systems. While valuable, they may not always provide independent advice.
An independent security consultant:
- Does not sell or install equipment
- Provides unbiased advice based on risk, not products
- Understands technology, design, operations and compliance
- Ensures every recommendation is defensible and aligned with ISO standards
- Helps create a complete security ecosystem—not just a list of products
How Smartsec Security Solutions Supports Managing Security Risk
Smartsec Security Solutions provides independent security consulting across Perth and Western Australia. Our support includes:
- Security risk assessments (ISO 31000 aligned)
- Site and physical security audits
- CPTED and lighting assessments
- Workplace aggression and duress response reviews
- Event security risk assessments and hostile vehicle mitigation planning
- Security policy, procedure and SOP development
- Independent CCTV, access control and VMS advisory
We provide planning, assessment and advice only. We do not install equipment or provide guarding services.
Final Thoughts
Managing security risk isn’t a one-time task or a checklist. It is an ongoing process that combines design, technology, behaviour and culture. The most effective approach is risk-based, evidence-driven and integrated across the organisation.
When risk is managed properly, workplaces become safer, decisions become clearer and security spending becomes more strategic—not reactive.
