Shawn Rajabi, Pinkerton Director Shawn Rajabi | San Jose, CA | Pinkerton
In life and business, there is no replacement for physical security. Even as innovation in the technology industry progresses at warp speed, a comprehensive approach to on-site security remains critical to the success of any organization. Protecting physical assets requires as much focus and due diligence as online threats. And even with discussions around cybersecurity often taking center stage in our high-tech world, the need to protect on-site locations continues to be equally important.
The need for physical technology-driven security systems underscores the evolving risks facing the tech sector — and the importance of a far-reaching approach to protection. From securing supply chains against cargo theft to managing access within data centers, today’s top business leaders recognize that true security encompasses far more than just digital defense. Organizations must also identify and rectify the vulnerabilities found in their physical locations and supply chains. In light of these challenges, leaders are turning to security experts to find solutions for a more secure future.
The Global Supply Chain — More Vulnerable Than Ever?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain management has emerged as one of the most important priorities for any company involved in the transportation of products, especially those managing complex global networks.
Organizations are now facing a different kind of crisis in the supply chain: large-scale cargo thefts, which can cost organizations more than six figures. In the first half of 2024, cargo thefts in North America increased by 49 percent. Onsite facility thefts increased by five times compared to the same period only a year ago and now make up nearly one-fifth of all cargo thefts across the continent.
One of the primary global supply chain security challenges is ensuring the safety and integrity of assets across vast, often outsourced networks. Many organizations depend on third-party vendors for logistics and warehousing, which can open a company up to vulnerabilities if proper controls are not implemented. This has led to many organizations adopting a layered approach to supply chain security, such as tracking shipments with GPS and conducting regular audits of third-party facilities.
Additionally, the rise of counterfeit trucks — vehicles posing as legitimate distribution partners — has become a major problem throughout North America. Criminals use real trucks with fraudulent credentials to pick up high-value shipments under the pretense of completing a delivery, only to disappear after they leave the lot. We’ve seen stories of thieves showing up with fake distribution trucks and stealing goods worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This drastic rise in cargo thefts drives home the importance of advanced GPS tracking for supply chain security. It also highlights how vital onsite security is to the process, as staff must meticulously comb through shipment numbers, driver identification, and other tracking information to verify deliveries are being picked up only by authorized shipping partners.
Data Center Breaches — An Internal Affair
Data centers are the foundation of most businesses’ digital operations. While they are primarily associated with cybersecurity, the risk of a physical breach is just as serious as one committed remotely by a hacker.
Data center security often operates under advanced access control systems and surveillance technology, however, it’s not always enough to prevent breaches. A large part of that is due to an unfortunate reality: about 80% of losses from data centers are due to an internal employee acting in bad faith. As a result, employee monitoring within data centers has also become a standard practice to prevent losses.
How Pinkerton Helps Tech Companies Manage Security Risks
Navigating today’s complex business landscape is already a challenge, and trying to keep up with advancements in security can be overwhelming for some business owners. Creating a proactive, all-encompassing security plan is often something best left to the experts.
Pinkerton specializes in helping organizations in the tech industry build and implement forward-thinking security strategies that address both onsite vulnerabilities and supply chain risks. Don’t wait for a crisis to expose gaps in your security — reach out to Pinkerton to discuss security solutions that will keep your people, facilities, and assets safe, now and in the future.
