Author Description

For many clients, the first step in improving security is to bring in an independent consultant to conduct a physical security assessment, making this one of the services most frequently requested by clients. Although there is no shortage of books, guides, and training materials on physical security assessments, most explain the principles and concepts of an assessment but don’t describe the actual process that a consultant should follow when performing one. Also, many of the resources that are available are aimed at end users, and fail to point out the critical things that consultants need to know when working with clients during an assessment. In this book, Michael A. Silva, an independent security consultant with more than four decades of experience, shares practical, field-tested advice that guides the reader through each step of the assessment process. Written specifically for independent consultants, it covers the entire process from start to finish, including: • The essential elements of a physical security assessment. • Why clients hire consultants to conduct security assessments. • Writing a proposal for a security assessment. • Preplanning the assessment. • Conducting client interviews. • The on-site survey process. • Observing activity at and around the facility. • Identifying and prioritizing security risks and threats. • Evaluation of existing security measures and identification of vulnerabilities. • Developing recommendations for security improvements. • Writing the Security Assessment Report. • Presenting findings and recommendations. • Follow up with the client after the report. The purpose of this book is to provide practical advice that consultants can use when performing physical security assessments. The techniques outlined are based on real-world experience and have been continuously refined through lessons learned from past assessments. Within this book, the author provides step