3 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Access Control System
When it comes to physical access and data control, it can be a short trip from “Everything’s working great!” to “We have a problem.” That probably sounds alarming, and it is. Your system is at the whim of software updates, external changes, turnover and even things like the weather. The (really, really) good news? Staying a step ahead and knowing when to evolve your setup is a powerful way to ensure your security solutions are protecting your company, your data and your teams right now—and at every step that’s coming your way.
Here are three ways to know if it’s time to upgrade your access control system.
1. Regulations have changed.
The truth is, regulations and compliance rules are always changing, so no, you won’t need to upgrade your system every time there’s a shift in data privacy. But if you aren’t keeping up with those changes as they happen, they can add up over time—and not only make your system obsolete, but put you at risk of jeopardizing the information you’re responsible for protecting.
First and foremost, it’s critical that you do keep up with compliance changes. That’s where having a security partner comes in. If we’re set up for a long-term relationship, embedded with your team, or continuously monitoring your system and its rules, we’re able to adjust your setup as needed. It’s an incredibly powerful partnership that frees your team from the day-to-day, but it isn’t the only option. The right team can also jump in to help you make updates anytime regardless of any pre-existing relationship.
Either way, timing is key. Has it been a while since you’ve reviewed your industry’s data compliance regulations? If so, it’s time to start bringing your system up to par.
2. Your company is bigger—or smaller.
More people means more data, more access points and more moving parts. Is your system robust enough to manage it all? Do you have the right people in place to recognize when you’ve outgrown your physical security system? That’s a big question.
The good news is, your security partner can keep an eye on your growth and your needs over time. But bringing in an expert to evaluate your current setup anytime is also a great first step toward making sure your organization has what it needs in its current state.
Many companies are looking a lot different coming out of the pandemic, so don’t overlook other changes that might affect your security, too—like different roles within your organization, hybrid or remote work, and even a smaller employee base or physical footprint. As much as we worry about data and premises security after a period of growth, it’s just as important to consider what your system should look like as a smaller or more remote organization.
3. You’re being outpaced by technology.
Ask yourself a few questions: Has your company been using the same access tools for years? Are you constantly replacing things like lost keycards or even physical keys? Is your data being stored on only physical servers? Are you patching or finding workarounds within your existing setup? Have you been playing whack-a-mole with security threats?
If you answered yes to any of those, it’s time to review your system.
Technology moves fast, and it’s often evolving in response to compliance regulations. An outdated system might appear to be working well when everything is smooth sailing—but one incompatible update, compliance change, power outage or phishing attempt can easily derail a setup that isn’t optimized for your needs.
Ready to take a look at your physical and data security setup? Get in touch with Octeum’s experts.
