Thinking Holidays? Think Security.

The sun is shining and there is a good chance many of you are heading away for the weekend, the week or starting to think about your holiday plans.  However, when planning a holiday we should also consider the security of our home while away. Here are the top 10 things you should consider when going away:

1. Ensure you have an alarm system installed by a PSA licensed installer.  Ideally this alarm should be monitored to ensure there is a response in your absence. 
2. Ensure your key holders know of your plans to be away from home and that they will be in a position to respond should it become necessary.
3. Notify a neighbour you trust that you will be away so that they are more likely to be aware of unusual activity near your property. 
4. External lighting should be considered.  A sensor light on approach to access points to your home may be enough to deter a potential burglar.
5.  Internal lighting.  Having timers on internal lights may also be a good deterrent, making it less obvious that the home is empty for an extended period of time. 
6. Doors should be fitted with anti-snap locks making it more difficult for anyone to gain access to your home in the first place. 
7. Consideration should be given to upgrading any windows and doors which may be particularly vulnerable due to their design.  There are a wide range of products available which will allow you to upgrade locks, install security grilles or for glazing reinforcement. 
8. Don’t leave car keys or other valuable gadgets (tablets, laptops, iPods) within view or in locations that are easily accessible.  Your car is very often the most desirable asset that a burglar can access as a result of breaking into your home.  Consideration should be given to fitting a home safe. 
9. CCTV is becoming a very popular security option with costs coming down and technology improving.  This provides the option to login remotely and monitor security at your home.  Make sure your CCTV system is installed by a PSA licensed installer. 
10. Make sure you do a security check before you go away.  Lock away tools and ladders.  Always ensure that there will not be a build-up of post or deliveries in your absence.  Make sure that all of your electronic security is functioning and has been properly maintained. 

To check that your security provider holds a license or to find licensed security service providers, visit the Private Security Authority’s website www.psa.ogv.ie or contact the Irish Security Industry Association Tel: 01-4847206 or www.isia.ie. 

For assistance with identifying the right security provider for your needs please use the find a supplier section of the ISIA website.  

About the Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA)

The ISIA was established in 1972 and represents security companies across eight divisions of private security.  The members of the ISIA are representative of approximately 70 per cent of both the turnover and the employees in the industry.  The ISIA represents over 90 per cent of the cash-in-transit industry.  

New Standard for CCTV & Alarm Monitoring

The new standard for the licensing of CCTV Monitoring Centres and Alarm Monitoring Centres entitled "PSA Licensing Requirements - CCTV Monitoring and Alarm Monitoring Centres (PSA 33:2014)" has now been published.  

Read the full story here.  

ISIA Re-elects First Female President

The members of the Irish Security Industry Association re-elected its first female President, Sheenagh McCullagh, for a second year at the ISIA's AGM earlier this month.  Alan Durnan, of Brinks Ireland, was elected as Vice President.

Read the full story here.

Secure Data Destruction Seminar

Secure Data Destruction Seminar 

To launch the introduction of its Secure Data Destruction Division, the Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA) will be holding a seminar on the 26^th March at 10am in the Fitzwilliam Hotel on the topic of handling information destruction securely and the associated data protection challenges. 

Risks

Entrusting a supplier with sensitive or personal information to be destroyed is a serious decision.  There are numerous concerns associated with the holding of data in your own organisation, never mind the risks when handing over the data, for which you are responsible, to a third party.

During this seminar we will explore the current data protection landscape, the risks and challenges that need to be considered when implementing a best practice data protection policy and finally what you should expect from your disposal partner of choice. 

Managing Data Destruction

Following in the footsteps of its associate, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the ISIA has recently introduced a Secure Data Destruction Division.  The Chairman of the division Richard McIlwaine-Biggins stated that, “by bringing together key players in the industry we plan to raise standards in this sector, protect end users of information destruction services and ultimately protect the individuals and businesses whose personal and sensitive information may be contained in hard or soft copy”.

Seminar Details

Date: Wednesday 26^th March 2014

Venue: Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin 2

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

Speakers

Alan O’Grady, Data Protection Commissioner’s Office

Dr. John Ghent, Director, Sytorus

Richard McIlwaine-Biggins, SDD Chairman, Irish Security Industry Association

How to Book

The seminar is FREE to attend, but we ask delegates to please reserve their place in advance by emailing events@isia.ie or call 01-4847206.  Further information is available at http://isia.ie/secure-data-destruction-seminar. 

For further information please contact:

Sarah O’Donnell, Communications Director

Telephone: 01-4847206/Mobile: 087-2229127

Email: sarahodonnell@isia.ie

www.isia.ie

Security Conference at FM Ireland 5-6 March 2014

Security is a big part of the facilities management mix.  Therefore, it should be no surprise that this area of FM is extensively covered at FM Ireland being held on the 5-6 March 2014 in the RDS, Dublin.

Make sure to stop by and visit the ISIA at stand E14 and there will a range of security topics covered as part of the ISIA supported Security Conference Stream.

To find out more click here.