A security gap analysis is one of the most practical ways organisations in Western Australia can understand where their current security measures are falling short — and what needs to change to prevent future incidents. It’s not about selling hardware or ticking a compliance box. Instead, it’s about taking an honest look at how people, systems, technology and procedures are working today, and identifying the gaps that could lead to theft, injury, unauthorised access or reputational damage.
In Perth and across regional WA, security challenges vary significantly — from public-facing council buildings and shopping centres to remote industrial sites, transport hubs, universities and critical infrastructure. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. A security gap analysis adapts to the environment and focuses on practical improvements that make a measurable difference.
What is a Security Gap Analysis?
A security gap analysis is a structured review that compares your current security setup against what is required to manage risks effectively. It identifies the shortfalls — or “gaps” — between where security is now and where it needs to be.
It looks at questions like:
- Are we doing enough to manage foreseeable risks?
- Are procedures being followed, or just written in a document?
- Are staff, contractors and systems creating vulnerabilities?
- Would our current controls actually work in an incident?
Unlike a general security audit or equipment inspection, a gap analysis is risk-based and aligned with ISO 31000 principles. It considers physical security, technology, human behaviour and daily operations.
Why Organisations in WA Need Security Gap Analysis
In Western Australia, many organisations already have some level of security in place — CCTV, swipe cards, alarms, contracted security patrols. But incidents still occur. Theft, aggression, break-ins, unauthorised access, vandalism and procedural failures often happen not because there are no controls, but because existing controls have gaps.
Several real-world reasons are driving demand for security gap analysis in Perth and regional WA:
- A recent incident has exposed vulnerabilities — and leadership wants answers.
- A council or government authority has requested evidence of risk management.
- A facility is about to be upgraded or redeveloped.
- Insurance providers have asked for proof that risks are being managed.
- Senior management wants to know if current systems are still effective — or just outdated and ignored.
How It Differs from a Security Risk Assessment
A security risk assessment identifies threats, analyses likelihood and consequence, and creates a risk register with treatment options. It’s broader and methodical.
A security gap analysis is more focused on comparison:
- What controls should exist — versus what is currently in place.
- It highlights weaknesses, blind spots and breakdowns in current systems.
- It’s often used on existing sites rather than new developments.
Think of it this way:
➡ A security risk assessment helps you design a strong system.
➡ A gap analysis checks whether your existing system actually works in practice.
What Does a Security Gap Analysis Look At?
A proper gap analysis in WA doesn’t just focus on hardware — it covers four main areas:
Physical Environment
- Are access points secure?
- Can someone enter through unattended doors or loading docks?
- Are blind spots or poorly lit areas making CCTV useless?
- Are bollards compliant, or only “decorative”?
Technology and Systems
- Are CCTV systems functional, monitored and recording clearly?
- Are old swipe cards or codes still active for ex-staff or contractors?
- Are alarms regularly tested, or are faults ignored?
Procedures and Operations
- Do staff follow visitor check-in procedures?
- Are contractors supervised, or do they walk into secure zones freely?
- Are incident reports stored, reviewed and acted upon — or dismissed?
People and Culture
- Do staff understand their role in security, or do they see it as “someone else’s job”?
- Are security roles clearly defined?
- Is training current, or only provided at induction and forgotten?
Common Gaps Found Across Perth and Regional WA
Across commercial, government and industrial sites, some of the most frequently discovered gaps include:
- CCTV installed but not actively used — poor placement, no live monitoring, footage retained for too short a time.
- Access control issues — master keys never recovered from staff, outdated access lists, unmonitored emergency exits.
- Poor lighting in car parks, walkways and plant areas — increasing risk after dark.
- No formal incident reporting or follow-up process — issues are ignored until they escalate.
- Security contractors operating without clear instructions or standards.
- Alarm systems active but never tested, or sending alerts to unattended inboxes.
- Policies written but not practiced — paper compliance with no operational impact.
- Physical security measures defeated by behaviour — staff propping doors open, leaving equipment unsecured, providing tailgated access.
The Security Gap Analysis Process
A typical analysis follows a structured process, adapted to the site and organisation:
Briefing and objectives
Understanding the purpose — is this for insurance, council compliance, incident response or improvement planning?
Site inspection and observation
Walking the site, examining access points, service corridors, car parks, control rooms and public areas.
Review of existing systems and documentation
Looking at CCTV layouts, access control logs, SOPs, alarm monitoring arrangements, key registers, contractor agreements and emergency plans.
Gap identification
Comparing what exists with best practice, ISO 31000, council requirements or internal policies.
Recommendations and prioritisation
Providing realistic actions — immediate (critical), short-term (operational) and long-term (planning or budget-based).
Why This Matters for Western Australian Organisations
A good security gap analysis gives clarity and confidence. It shows leadership:
- What exists
- What doesn’t
- What must be improved
- And whether current spending is actually reducing risk
It also helps with:
- Funding submissions for upgrades
- Council development applications
- Insurance negotiations
- Contractor performance reviews
- Internal governance reporting
Final Thoughts
In Western Australia, security challenges are diverse — from busy civic precincts and shopping centres in Perth to remote mine sites and community facilities in regional towns. A security gap analysis helps organisations stay proactive, not reactive. It bridges the space between what you think is secure and what actually is.
It’s one of the most practical ways to protect people, assets and reputation — without unnecessary spending or reliance on guesswork.
Need Help?
If you’d like to arrange a security gap analysis for your site or project in Western Australia, you can reach out through our Contact page. We provide independent, vendor-neutral reviews aligned with ISO 31000 and local council expectations.
