Breaking Through Security: Our Journey to Uncover Vulnerabilities in a Food Production Site

We were recently asked to test the security of a customer's site outside of office hours, with no prior notice. This challenge is part of a retailer's requirement to undergo annual security assessments. Familiar with the site and aware of the challenges faced by visitors trying to enter, I anticipated a positive outcome, expecting it to be more of a formality for the client.

The site security operates 24/7, 365 days a year with a dedicated team. Security personnel regularly patrol the site. Upon approaching the site, all vehicles are stopped at the gate barrier to verify their entry, whether they are visitors or deliveries. All pedestrian visitors must report to site security. Pedestrian employees or agency workers enter through a turnstile activated by fingerprint recognition.

The site is enclosed by a two-meter-high fence topped with barbed wire, and much of it is screened by vegetation, making the site difficult to see from the road. All gates within the fence are secured with heavy-duty brass tamper-proof padlocks. Site security monitors the area via a camera system covering all access points. The site is extremely well lit during night time hours.

Sounds like a fortress doesn’t it?

Not only were we able to gain access to the site within minutes of putting our mind to the task but we were also able to gain access to raw materials, finished product and even had the ability to gain access to the offices.

This was a fantastic exercise for the site concerned as they were able to correct the areas of weakness to their site security before it became an intruder with an ulterior motive. Corrective actions were put in place that strengthened the sites security overall.

How secure is your site, extremely secure I hear you say. Or is it?...

Do your customer requirements demand an annual challenge of your site security in out of office time, if so then we can assist you, we'll do our best to identify your weakness’ to enable you to create a more secure site tomorrow.