Why is security important in 2025? Security isn’t just another expense. It’s what protects businesses, homes, and communities from threats that could cause real harm. Whether it’s stopping crime before it happens or keeping sensitive information safe, security plays a bigger role in daily life than most people realize. And that’s just the start — today, we’ll look at more reasons why it matters.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• What security is
• Types of security
• Top 10 reasons it’s important in 2025
• Key components of a well-rounded security strategy
• How Belfry can help

Let’s start by defining what security is.

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What is security?

At its core, security is about protection — keeping people, property, and information safe from harm or danger. It’s a concept that applies to nearly every part of life, but it often gets divided into two main areas: physical security and IT security.

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Physical security focuses on safeguarding tangible things like buildings, equipment, and people. This includes measures such as stationary and patrolling security guards, access control systems, and surveillance cameras that work to prevent bad stuff like theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access.

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IT security, on the other hand, deals with protecting data and systems from cyber threats. This includes things like firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption, all of which work to keep sensitive information out of the hands of hackers.

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When it comes to workplaces and operations, security isn’t just about technology or physical barriers, It’s also about creating procedures and environments that reduce risks. For example, each type of security, like physical security and operational security, is great at reducing specific types of risks.

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Types of security

Security isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it covers different areas depending on the needs of a space or organization. Here are three key types of security and how they play a role in keeping things safe:

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1. Physical security

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This is the most visible form of security, focusing on protecting buildings, equipment, and people. It includes:

• Access control: Systems like keycards, biometric scanners (and even clocking systems with biometric scanners), or security checkpoints to ensure only authorized individuals can enter. They can also log entry and exit times, which helps track activity in sensitive areas.
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• On-site guards: Security guards are trained professionals who provide a physical presence. Their role is to discourage unwanted behavior, send reports to keep you updated, respond to threats in real time, and assist with emergencies when needed.
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• Roving guards: Unlike stationary guards, roving guards actively patrol the property, keeping an eye on different areas to spot hazards or suspicious activity. They might catch someone sneaking around, identify unlocked doors, or notice equipment left in vulnerable spots.
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• Monitoring systems: Tools like surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and alarm systems provide constant oversight. Cameras are particularly effective for both live monitoring and reviewing incidents after they occur, while motion detectors can trigger alerts if someone enters restricted areas.
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• Barriers and signage: Physical barriers like fences, bollards, or gates help prevent unauthorized access, while clear signage communicates rules, restricted zones, or safety warnings.
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• Lighting: Proper lighting is a super important but often overlooked aspect of security. Well-lit areas discourage criminal activity by reducing hiding spots and increasing visibility. Motion-activated lights, for example, can startle trespassers and draw attention to their presence.

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2. Workplace safety
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A lot goes into keeping a workplace safe. While physical security measures like access control, barriers, and monitoring systems are important, they’re just one part of the picture. 

Security in the workplace focuses on creating an environment where employees can do their jobs without worrying about accidents, threats, or confusion during emergencies. It’s not just about setting up precautions but also making sure everyone knows what to do when things go wrong.

Here are major components of workplace safety:

Incident prevention

Prevention is the first step in workplace safety. This means identifying risks before they lead to problems and setting up policies and training to address them. Examples include:

• Policies and procedures: Companies can reduce risk by implementing rules about how to handle equipment, store hazardous materials, or report potential dangers. For example, regular inspections of machinery or limiting access to high-risk areas can stop accidents before they happen.
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• Training: Employees need to know how to work safely. This might involve safety workshops, online courses, or even hands-on drills for handling specific tools or situations. The goal is to teach everyone how to spot risks and prevent them.
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• Hazard identification: Regular inspections or audits can help identify potential dangers like slippery floors, broken equipment, or unguarded areas. 

Emergency response

Even with prevention measures, emergencies can still happen. Having a plan in place ensures that employees know what to do and can act fast in crises, reducing harm and injury. 

Some key aspects include:

• Emergency action plans: Every workplace should have detailed instructions for what to do during specific emergencies like fires, medical incidents, or security breaches. These plans should outline evacuation routes, assembly points, and who’s in charge of handling the situation.
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• Drills and rehearsals: Practice makes perfect. Conducting regular fire drills, active threat simulations, or first-aid training ensures that employees won’t panic when something goes wrong.
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• Communication systems: Clear communication is critical in an emergency. Tools like loudspeakers, group messaging apps, or designated safety coordinators can help spread information quickly, so employees know what’s happening and what to do next.

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3. Operational security or continuity

Operational security makes sure that businesses can run smoothly without interruptions, protecting everything from equipment to sensitive information. It focuses on maintaining productivity and minimizing risks that could disrupt daily jobs.

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Here’s what it involves:

• Protecting equipment and systems: Regular maintenance, backup power systems, and performance monitoring tools help prevent breakdowns and downtime. 
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• Ensuring employee safety and productivity: Secure access to tools, properly maintained equipment, and protection from external disruptions like unauthorized visitors allow employees to focus on their jobs with confidence.
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• Safeguarding sensitive information: Controlling access to data, using encryption, and implementing cybersecurity tools protect businesses from leaks or breaches.

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Why is security important? Our top 10 reasons

The importance of security cannot be overstated, and there are countless reasons why it might be important to someone. We’ve put together a list of our top 10 reasons — let’s take a look at them below:

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1. Ensures employee safety

Employees should feel safe while they work. Corporate security measures like access control, workplace safety protocols, and trained guards reduce the risk of bad stuff happening.

Example: A corporate office with keycard entry and well-lit parking areas provides employees with peace of mind during and after work hours.

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2. Protects physical assets

Every business has physical assets that must be protected, whether it’s equipment or inventory. Security systems prevent theft, vandalism, and damage, protecting these investments and reducing losses.

Example: A construction site with surveillance cameras and fencing prevents unauthorized access to valuable tools and materials.

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3. Enhances customer trust

When customers know their safety and privacy are priorities, they’re more likely to stay loyal. Security builds trust by creating a safe environment for customers and safeguarding their information, giving them peace of mind.

Example: A bank with secure entry points and monitored ATMs reassures customers that their money and data are safe.

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4. Prevents workplace incidents

Proactive security measures, like identifying risks and setting up preventative protocols, reduce the chance of accidents or emergencies. 

Example: A factory that restricts access to dangerous machinery protects untrained personnel from potential harm.

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5. Ensures business continuity

Security measures protect operations from disruptions caused by theft, cyberattacks, or equipment failure. Taking such measures prevents a lot of time and financial losses, helping to keep businesses profitable.

Example: A company with an emergency response plan and backup systems can quickly recover from a cyberattack without halting operations.

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6. Compliance with legal and industry standards

In many industries, security isn’t optional, it’s required. Following security standards helps businesses avoid fines, legal trouble, or reputational damage.

Example: A healthcare facility using encryption to protect patient records complies with HIPAA regulations and keeps sensitive data safe.

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7. Protects sensitive information

Keeping data secure is essential for avoiding leaks or breaches that can harm a business or individual. Cybersecurity tools and protocols like firewalls, anti-virus software, and encryption safeguards valuable information.

Example: A business using two-factor authentication can prevent unauthorized access to its internal systems.

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8. Deters crime and unauthorized access

Visible security measures discourage criminal activity and make unauthorized access less likely. After all, bad people are less likely to try to do something when they can see guards or CCTV cameras.

Example: A retail store with a visible security guard and cameras reduces shoplifting incidents.

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9. Improves emergency response

Security teams and systems help to make sure that there is a quick and effective response to emergencies, whether it’s a medical incident, a fire, or a break-in.

Example: A school with a well-practiced lockdown procedure can act swiftly in case of a threat.

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10. Creates a positive environment

A secure environment fosters confidence and peace of mind for everyone involved, including employees, customers, and residents. When people feel safe, they can focus on their jobs or enjoy their surroundings without worry.

Example: An apartment complex with 24/7 security staff and monitored entrances creates a sense of safety for tenants.

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Key components of great security strategy

An effective workplace security strategy doesn’t happen by accident. It requires careful planning, implementation, and regular maintenance to ensure employees, assets, and operations stay protected. 

Let’s talk about the top elements that form the foundation of a great security strategy:

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Access control

This makes sure that only authorized people get to go into restricted areas. For example, only employees should be able to enter a retail store’s inventory rooms, or only authorized individuals should be allowed to go into data centers.

Here are some examples of access control:

• Keycard and biometric systems: Tools like keycards, PIN codes, or fingerprint scanners limit access to sensitive spaces, keeping unauthorized people out.
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• Role-based access: Assigning access levels based on job roles ensures employees only enter areas they need, reducing unnecessary exposure to sensitive zones.
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• Visitor check-ins: A simple sign-in system tracks who’s entering and leaving, providing a clear record in case of an incident.

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Surveillance

Surveillance is your silent watchdog, keeping an eye on key areas and providing valuable evidence when something goes wrong.

For example, well-placed CCTV cameras record criminal activity, allowing you to submit evidence to cops when you need to.

Here are some examples of surveillance equipment:

• CCTV cameras: Closed-circuit television cameras provide real-time monitoring and video recordings for later review. They are commonly used to oversee entrances, parking lots, and key operational areas.
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• Dome cameras: These are discreet, ceiling-mounted cameras that offer a wide field of view and are perfect for monitoring indoor spaces.
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• PTZ cameras: Pan-tilt-zoom cameras allow you to remotely adjust the camera’s direction and zoom in on suspicious activity, making them ideal for large, open areas.
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• Motion-activated cameras: These cameras only record when motion is detected, saving storage space.
• Thermal cameras: These cameras detect heat signatures, making them useful for low-light or nighttime monitoring where traditional cameras might struggle.
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• Surveillance drones: Equipped with cameras, drones are great for covering large outdoor spaces or hard-to-reach areas.

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Incident reporting

It’s important to know what’s going on and what you should plan for to be able to create a well-rounded security strategy. Make sure that you:

• Have a centralized reporting system: A digital platform for logging incidents such as thefts or equipment issues makes it easier to track and analyze data over time.
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• Encourage employee involvement: Urge employees to report incidents promptly, providing clear guidelines on what and how to report.
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• Review reports: Regularly review incident reports to spot recurring issues and address them before they get worse.

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Employee training

Employees play a critical role in any security strategy — even the best plans crumble completely if the human element isn’t considered. Proper employee briefing and training ensures they’re prepared to handle risks.

Consider training employees on:

• Recognizing threats: Teach employees how to identify suspicious behavior, such as tailgating into secured areas or people trying to conceal theft and embezzlement.
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• Emergency drills: Run regular drills for situations like evacuations, lockdowns, or severe weather to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
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• Cybersecurity awareness: Provide training on common threats like phishing or weak passwords to reduce the risk of data breaches.

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Regular audits

Regular audits are essential for keeping your security strategy effective and up-to-date. They help uncover vulnerabilities, ensure systems are working as intended, and confirm that your processes stay aligned with your business needs.

It’s not enough to do one risk assessment to base your entire strategy on — it’s a good idea to run assessments and audits at least once or twice yearly so you can adjust your security operations as needed. You may even want to run these audits more often if you typically deal with higher security risks.

Here’s what you can do:

• Routine evaluations: Schedule comprehensive security audits at least twice a year to review your physical systems, cybersecurity protocols, and operational processes. These checkups help identify weak spots before they become serious issues so you can stay ahead of potential threats.
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• Test access systems: Make sure keycard readers, biometric scanners, and surveillance cameras are functioning properly. A quick malfunction, like a broken scanner or disconnected camera, can create gaps in your defenses.
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• Review permissions: Verify that access levels align with current employee roles, making sure that no one has access to areas they don’t need. Remove permissions for former employees or outdated roles to avoid unnecessary risks, and keep records updated for accountability.

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How Belfry helps improve security operations

Why is security important? We answered that question today and found out what makes a great security strategy. But what if there was a way to beef up your security even more?

Using the right tools can help you get a broader view of your operations while also reducing the administrative work you need to do. That’s where Belfry comes in.

Belfry is an all-in-one security guard software that puts everything in one place, making it easier to manage your team.

Here’s how:

• Easy scheduling: Minimize scheduling conflicts and avoid unmanned shifts thanks to Belfry’s automated scheduling features that assign shifts based on site requirements, officer certifications, and training.
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• Increased officer accountability: Belfry has GPS tracking and NFC-based guided tours to help you make sure your guards are adhering to their post orders. Geofencing alerts help alert you if a guard leaves their designated area.
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• Digital incident reporting: Goodbye pen and paper — guards can more easily keep you up-to-date by sending digital incident reports through the Belfry mobile app. They can even attach any evidence if needed.
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• Track certifications: Prevent license compliance lapses by inputting your officers’ licenses and certifications. Belfry tracks renewal dates automatically and sends notifications when they’re coming up.
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• Custom reporting: Need to create reports? Belfry allows you to design tailored reports, including incident documentation, patrol activities, and compliance status.
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• Simplified payroll: Belfry automates time and attendance tracking to make payroll easier. It also tracks overtime, labor expenses, and timesheets to make financial reporting a breeze.

See how Belfry can help improve your security strategy (and make work easier for you). Schedule a Free Demo Today.