Protecting Against Terrorism: new guidance document published for UK businesses

The National Security Advice Centre has published ‘Protecting Against Terrorism’, a new document which aims to provide advice to business and other organisations on measures which should be taken to prepare for a potential terrorist attack.

The document is structured around ten main security guidelines:

1. Carry out a risk assessment to decide on the threats you might be facing and their likelihood. Identify your vulnerabilities.

2. If acquiring or extending premises, consider security at the planning stage. It will be cheaper and more effective than adding measures later.

3. Make security awareness part of your organisation’s culture and ensure security is represented at a senior level.

4. Ensure good basic housekeeping throughout your premises. Keep public areas tidy and well-lit, remove unnecessary furniture and keep garden areas clear.

5. Keep access points to a minimum and issue staff and visitors with passes. Where possible, do not allow unauthorised vehicles close to your building.

6. Install appropriate physical measures such as locks, alarms, CCTV surveillance and lighting.

7. Examine your mail-handling procedures, consider establishing a mailroom away from your main premises.

8. When recruiting staff or hiring contractors, check identities and follow up references.

9. Consider how best to protect your information and take proper IT security precautions. Examine your methods for disposing of confidential waste.

10. Plan and test your business continuity plans [sic], ensuring that you can continue to function without access to your main premises and IT systems.

•Date: 16th March 2006• Region: UK • Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism
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