Description
The field of Security focuses on the protection of certain assets from harm. Security specialists use a wide variety of tactics, methods, and equipment to do their job. As a field of work, it can be divided into three branches based on what professionals in the area are intended to protect.
First, physical security focuses on the protection of physical assets (e.g. money, valuable objects, or locations) from danger in the form of theft, harm, and trespassing. Secondly, human or personal security focuses on protecting people from any kind of threat that may fall upon them (e.g. kidnapping, harassment, or assassination). The last branch is computer security, which is also the most recent one, and focuses on the protection of computerized information from theft, unauthorized access, duplication, or destruction.
Security professionals usually work for specialized agencies that offer their knowledge, skills, and resources to protect their client’s assets. These agencies can be specialized over a single branch of security or may cover all three. Some professionals also work in the security department of companies that are big enough to have one
Tasks Overview
Security professionals are usually responsible for the following:
- Analyzing the client’s assets to determine the necessary security measures.
- Running vulnerability tests.
- Establishing security protocols and policies for the client.
- Preventing theft, vandalism, and trespassing of private property.
- Granting access to restricted areas to authorized people.
- Handling security equipment and weapons when necessary.
- Escorting their client(s).
All professionals working in the Security field usually share the same characteristics, which include, but are not limited to:
- Having an outstanding physical condition.
- Being highly analytical and logical and being great at decision-making.
- Having strong communication and excellent teamwork skills.
- Having exceptional stress management skills.
- Having strong computer and IT skills.
- Displaying outstanding levels of honesty, integrity, and objectivity.
There are plenty of entry-level jobs available for applicants interested in the world of Security. Depending on the branch they choose, candidates may find themselves working from behind a desk, patrolling the premises of a client, or following and protecting a person. Many Security related jobs require a 24-hour presence of personnel. To answer this need, many employers create and schedule different shifts, so it is not uncommon for Security staff to work overnight.
Most employers require applicants to possess at least a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement, Computer Science, Criminology, Security, or Police Technology. It is also considered beneficial for applicants to have some experience in Law Enforcement or Military affairs. Many jobs in Security also require professionals to receive special training, certification, and, if required, a permit and a licence to carry a firearm. Most employers facilitate this training in-house and also assist with the paperwork and procedures to obtain a licence or a certificate.