You will only keep your assets and data secure if you choose the right cabinets. The cabinets will protect your official information, money, and valuable physical assets. Before you buy the security cabinets, handle the following first:
Evaluate the security needs
You need to evaluate the potential risks your assets or documents face. Are you protecting them against unauthorized access, damage, or theft? The following factors will affect the security status of your cabinet:
- The protective marking level on assets or information
- The BIL
- Physical assets or location level within the building
- Access control systems
- Building location and structure
- Other physical protection systems around like alarms and locks
Addressing the above security issues will be a good starting point.
Where to place the security cabinet
Don’t put the cabinet against the perimeter’s security zones with reduced protection. Such places are an easy target by an intruder who bypasses the extra security features. Place the cabinet in a secure place that is hard for any intruder to access.
Use the approved security containers
The things that need protection are very valuable. It makes it vital not to create any loophole in their security. Approved security cabinets assure that they will work to the promised level. The company producing them must be reputable in the production of legit equipment. The product should withstand the potential threats that your things face.
Container classes
The approved cabinets come in three classes depending on the level of protection.
Class A cabinets
These cabinets are very heavy. They are good in high-risk situations.
Class B cabinets
These cabinets are in two sub-groups. The heavy subgroups are applicable in areas with little physical control. The lighter subgroup is applicable in areas with other physical measures to boost their security.
Class B cabinets protect information with a BIL of:
- Higher in very risky areas
- Catastrophic or extremely low-risk scenarios
Check where you will place Class A and B because their weight might be an issue in most scenarios.
Class C cabinets
They protect data under the following situations:
- Medium risky areas
- Very low-risk situations
They need a fitted restricted keyed padlock or lock.
The two major types of security cabinets
There are two main cabinets used to store valuables:
- Class 5 cabinets
- Class 6 cabinets
Class 5 cabinets
They store weapons and sensitive items like jewels, funds, and precious metals. They can also store classified components, documents, equipment, and materials.
They provide the same protection as class 6 with extra ten minutes against any forced entry attack. These cabinets come in different types like weapon storage, file cabinet, and IPS.
Class 6 cabinets
These cabinets store classified data like maps, documents, plans, and drawings. They come in map and cabinet styles.
Conclusion
The security of your assets and documents is very vital. You need to assess what you want to safeguard before shopping for the ideal security cabinet. The above guideline will help you know what to look for as you start the process.