Safety and security concerns for condo and apartment buildings are under a huge strain to maintain control and security of their occupants. With a constant parade of residents, visitors, repair people, domestic help, mail carriers, and the popularity of third-party services, such as i.e. UberEats, Skip-the-dishes, and Amazon delivering directly to internal unit doors, is opening up newer vulnerabilities to your security infrastructure.
An added issue that we are seeing is a growing number of residential units being used as short-term rental properties with the popularity of Airbnb, VRBO, FlipKey, HomeAway, and many more. These rented units are often used for parties and are jeopardizing the safety and security of its building and residents.
While many cities, including Toronto, are trying to curtail party suites, by proposing bylaws around the use of Airbnb and other third-party rental services, to only allow short-term rentals in a principal residence and prohibit renters under the age of 25 years old.
It’s common practice that condo developers and property managers try to keep costs low and implement bare-bones security measures to meet compliance and standards, most of which are grossly inadequate in terms of access control, video surveillance, visitor management, perimeter security. While the presence of cameras, card readers, and access credentials gives residents a feeling of security, this does not guarantee that the security program and associated controls are valid and effective.
Whether it’s a super-luxury development or a more modest residential building, security should remain a priority, as any lapse can put residents and property at risk. It is the duty and responsibility of the board to draft, enact, and periodically assess measures to keep the residents and property as safe as possible. Improvements and solutions can be recommended and implemented but at the end of the day, security comes down to being mindful, assessing risks realistically, and taking decisive steps to minimize those risks.
Identify Today’s Risks
Zerobit1 Security team performs thorough condo security threat risk assessment services. Our team will provide a security assessment report highlighting the findings and recommendations for your property to become more risk resilient.
Our security assessment follows a systematic and methodical process to assess and/or define and uncover existing or current weaknesses or threats. A comprehensive threat risk assessment is key to empower decision-makers to make informed decisions about their assets, responsibilities, and accountabilities. Recommendations and treatments will be presented taking into consideration impact, budgets, local by-laws, acts, and standards.
Security Assessment Considerations:
- The physical security measures deployed at all facility entrances and exits including the integrity and operability of the doors and locking hardware.
- The placement and coverage of camera systems for the facility.
- The usage and placement of intercoms and emergency call stations throughout the facility.
- The way an adversary might exploit an existing security vulnerability to produce an undesired outcome or illegal conduct.
- The comprehensiveness and efficacy of the existing security plans, policies, and procedures (i.e. visitor management) both on paper and as implemented and followed by facility or third-party staff i.e. security guard services.
- The facility’s environmental and design characteristics (known as CEPTD) throughout all areas of the facility including building exterior, outdoor and indoor parking areas, and interior areas.
- An evaluation of current and future security controls and countermeasures that may enhance or pose a risk to the facility within the next 24 to 36 months.
Don’t let the health, safety, maintenance, and wellness of your community be overlooked.
Contact ZeroBit1 today for your security risk assessment.
