If you’re looking to land corporate security jobs but aren’t sure what they entail, the skills you’d need, and where to start – you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re breaking down corporate security, its importance, and how to get into the field and land corporate security jobs. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

What Is Corporate Security?

Corporate security refers to identifying threats and applying physical and technological measures to mitigate risks a corporation and the people within it might face. It also monitors and deters internal and external threats to an organization’s personnel, property, and assets, while managing physical security crises.

Corporate security is all about protecting a company and finding the best solutions to avoid potential risks that could harm it.

Why Do Businesses Need Corporate Security

There are many different reasons an organization will employ corporate security services and hire for corporate security jobs. Fundamentally, it’s about wanting to feel safe and protected and having someone skilled and experienced do it for you. But when looking at the bigger picture, here are some of the things corporate officers can help their organizations with.

Asset Protection

Every business has critical information, tech, and assets that are essential to its operation. A corporate security guard or team will implement strategies to deter crime, protect assets, and prevent loss.

Data Protection

Fast-growing internet security solutions should be handled with care and expertise. Using the right tools can help businesses stay on track and deter data breaches. There are different strategies for data protection that those in corporate security have to carry out. These include:

• Anti-phishing systems and education
• Anti-malware software
• Password managers
• DNS security
• IAM tools

Crisis Management

Many issues and accidents can happen during a business’s day-to-day operating hours. From medical emergencies to fires, floods, and more – countless different interruptions could potentially disrupt a company. Working in corporate security means answering, addressing, and rectifying those crises in the shortest time possible. 

The first step of crisis management is conducting a risk assessment and identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities that a business faces. A thorough risk assessment can help prioritize the most critical risks and accordingly allocate resources.

Once the risk assessment is done, the corporate security officer or team will come up with a crisis management plan. The plan should outline the roles and responsibilities of different team members, establish communication channels and protocols, and determine strategies for each crisis. 

Crime Prevention

Virtually every business (and home) can benefit from having a commercial security system in place. Many academic studies have found only cameras to be incredible crime deterrents. Add to that indications of alarms, security signs, and outdoor lighting, the case for commercial security systems is incredibly strong.

These systems, coupled with on-site physical security and officers, can help protect the premises and aid crime prevention. Security systems should cover the entry and exit points, hallways, and other key parts of the building and be consistently monitored.

What Are Corporate Security Jobs?

Corporate security jobs are incredibly diverse, requiring unique sets of skills and responsibilities. That said, there’s a great variety of roles you could pursue depending on your education, training, and experience. 

• Security Officer/Guard: Patrols premises, monitors surveillance equipment, and enforces company policies and procedures.
• Security Analyst: Analyzes security threats and vulnerabilities to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies. As a security analyst, you might have to monitor networks, systems, and applications for suspicious activity.
• Physical Security Specialist: Focuses on securing physical assets such as buildings, facilities, and equipment. The role can involve implementing access control measures, installing surveillance systems, and coordinating with law enforcement.
• Cybersecurity Specialist: Protects a company’s digital assets from cyber-attacks, including hacking, malware, and data breaches. Cybersecurity specialists also often do network security, incident response, and security awareness training.
• Fraud Investigator: Investigates allegations of fraud, theft, or misconduct within the company. The role can involve conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and collaborating with law enforcement.
• Emergency Response Coordinator: Develops and implements plans for responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, or security breaches. This role often involves coordinating with internal teams, external agencies, and first responders.
• Security Manager/Director: Oversees all aspects of a company’s security program, including risk assessment, security policy development, and managing other security personnel.

What a Corporate Security Officer Does

Each job site and position is unique and brings its own set of challenges. That said, most corporate security professionals complete certain general tasks. For example, corporate security officers will do ID checks and bag searches, interact with clients and customers, greet visitors, and assist with questions and queries.

Corporate security jobs also require you to be the first port of call in an emergency and assess and maintain the safety and security of the area. What’s more, you would have to do regular patrols on-premises, fill out incident reports, and do video surveillance. Finally, you have to ensure all visitors follow protocol when entering and exiting the premises.

However, as we mentioned, these are some general tasks typically associated with physical security on premises. Depending on your position and the job itself, you might be required to do data and asset protection, cyber monitoring, and more. In short, as a corporate security officer, you will have to do what it takes to ensure security and continuous operation.

What Makes a Good Corporate Security Officer

To be successful as a corporate security officer, you need to be approachable but professional. You also need to be able to blend into your environment and take charge of a situation if something occurs.

The key qualities all great officers and teams possess include:

• Accuracy
• Vigilance
• Discretion
• Professionalism
• Flexibility
• Commitment
• Attention to detail
• Drive
• Leadership

Of course, there are some key soft skills that you can and should sharpen over time. However, the position also requires hard skills and lots of training and experience. 

Skills for Corporate Security Jobs

No matter your post or position, you need to be physically fit and have great stamina. Whether you do that through weight or cardio training or practicing martial arts is completely up to you.

You should also be well-versed in licensing laws, as well as health and safety regulations. Another part of your job will be writing incident reports, which is something you can pick up on the job if you haven’t done it before. 

If you’re ready to jump into the world of corporate security jobs, make sure to check out our EP Careers Page. Your next opportunity might be right around the corner!