Evaluation Techniques and Countermeasures for Enhancing On-site Safety

Evaluation Techniques and Countermeasures for Enhancing On-site Safety

On June 25, 2025, a thought-provoking webinar on physical security risk assessment was held, featuring industry experts Daniel R. Young, Rachelle Loyear, and Chuck Randolph. The session focused on key strategies and insights to enhance physical security through integrated, intelligent approaches.

Daniel R. Young, MBA, MS, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer at Circadian Risk Inc., led the discussion, drawing on his extensive experience as a security and risk advisor spanning over 20 years. Rachelle Loyear, Vice President of Integrated Security Solutions at Allied Universal, provided valuable insights from her expertise in security risk management, with a focus on enterprise resilience against physical and cyber risks. Chuck Randolph, Senior Vice President for Strategic Intelligence and Security at 360 Privacy, shared his wealth of knowledge gained from over 30 years in corporate, intelligence, and military operations.

The webinar emphasised the integration of AI and robotics into physical security systems. Hybrid security systems are now combining building access controls, facial recognition, and autonomous robotics to create tiered security zones, ensuring only authorized personnel can access sensitive areas. This integration supports smarter, faster security decision-making and threat response.

Another crucial point discussed was the evolving digital nature of physical security. The shift from manual and siloed setups toward fully integrated physical and cyber defense systems was highlighted, requiring the extension of cybersecurity principles and controls to physical security infrastructures to mitigate emerging cyber-physical risks.

The importance of human oversight and ethics was also underscored, despite technological advances. Maintaining human control over automated security systems and adhering to ethical and regulatory standards is essential to protect sensitive data and ensure responsible automation.

Risk-based assessment techniques were another key topic. Effective physical security risk assessment involves quantifying potential impacts such as operational disruption, safety risks, and regulatory compliance. This includes conducting tabletop exercises to understand contingencies and resilience strategies.

Building scalable and tiered physical security frameworks was also discussed, similar to strategies in third-party risk management. Deploying tiered, scalable security programs with shared responsibility models helps reduce vulnerabilities and instill confidence among leadership and partners.

In summary, the webinar underscored the strategic advantage organisations gain by adopting AI-enabled, integrated physical security systems that are mindful of cyber risks, human factors, and compliance requirements. Practical assessment and resilience-building methods were also highlighted to address evolving threat landscapes.

The webinar is now available for on-demand viewing, offering attendees the opportunity to revisit key insights and strategies discussed. Rachelle Loyear, with her certifications as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP), and certified Project Management Professional (PMP), leads the Enterprise Security Risk Management program at Allied Universal. Chuck Randolph, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and recognised speaker and published author in the field, brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Chuck Randolph previously served in executive roles at Microsoft, Ontic, and AT-RISK International, while Daniel Young previously served as the Regional Bioterrorism Coordinator for District 1 in Michigan. Under his leadership, the District 1 Regional Medical Response Coalition developed a systems improvement plan to help prepare communities for incidents.

Rachelle earned her MBA in Business from the University of Phoenix in 2007 and her BA in History from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1998. Daniel Young has co-authored several books, including "The Manager's Guide to Enterprise Security Risk Management: Essentials of Risk-Based Security" and "Enterprise Security Risk Management: Concepts and Applications."

[1] Source: "The Impact of AI and Robotics on Physical Security Systems," Security Magazine, 2025. [3] Source: "Conducting Effective Physical Security Risk Assessments," ASIS International, 2024. [4] Source: "Tiered Approaches to Third-Party Risk Management," Forrester Research, 2023.

1. In the light of advancements in technology, the integration of AI and robotics into physical security systems is a strategic move, as demonstrated by the availability of hybrid security systems that combine building access controls, facial recognition, and autonomous robotics to create secure, tiered zones.
2. As cybersecurity principles and controls are extended to physical security infrastructures to mitigate emerging cyber-physical risks, it's crucial to remember the importance of human oversight and ethics, ensuring that automated security systems are controlled by humans adhering to ethical and regulatory standards.

Read also: