MI5's National Security Advice Centre (NSAC) have produced an updated document "Protection Against Terrorism", in response to requests from businesses requiring information and guidance for protective security, in the event of a terrorist attack.
The hard-copy top ten guidelines covered in the document are as follows:
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Carry out a risk assessment to decide on the threats you might be facing and their likelihood. Identify your vulnerabilities.
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If acquiring or extending premises, consider security at the planning stage. It will be cheaper and more effective than adding measures later.
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Make security awareness part of your organisation’s culture and ensure security is represented at a senior level.
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Ensure good basic housekeeping throughout your premises. Keep public areas tidy and well lit, remove unnecessary furniture and keep garden areas clear.
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Keep access points to a minimum and issue staff and visitors with passes.
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Where possible, do not allow unauthorised vehicles close to your building.
Install appropriate physical measures such as locks, alarms, CCTV surveillance and lighting. -
Examine your mail-handling procedures; consider establishing a mailroom away from your main premises.
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When recruiting staff or hiring contractors, check identities and follow up references.
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Consider how best to protect your information and take proper IT security precautions. Examine your methods for disposing of confidential waste.
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Plan and test your business continuity plans, ensuring that you can continue to function without access to your main premises and IT systems.
Compliance of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974) also includes an employers "duty of care" to staff and members of the public in the case of terrorism attacks. It is therefore advisable, following the London bombings in July 2005, that all businesses should have in place contingency plans for staff and visitors' safety in the event of a bomb attack.
The general advice given in the guidance can be accessed, in pdf format, by clicking the following:
MI5 Security Service Protecting Against Terrorism Guidance
Article by Alexandra Johnston
