Vulnerability Assessment Paper

Vulnerability Assessment Paper

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Abstract

It cannot be disputed that vulnerability assessments are vitally important for enhancing the security of businesses. The purpose of this paper is to explore how security officials determine the vulnerabilities of Solux Books Limited to natural, manmade and technological hazards. Natural hazards range from tornadoes to floods and hurricanes. Technological hazards on the other hand are greatly influenced by human activities and decisions. Vulnerability analysis is done by reviewing the past and present trends in an objective manner. Relative efforts are aimed at protecting the overall wellbeing of the organization.

Vulnerability Assessment Paper

Security officials are responsible for evaluating varied environmental situations as well as conditions in a bid to determine the probability, vulnerability and severity of expected or potential technological, manmade and natural hazards affecting various organizations. Early identification of relative elements is of paramount importance in preventing or lessening the damages or losses that are associated to the hazards. In essence, vulnerability assessments aim at identifying actual risks as well as the processes that can be used to objectively dedicate the respective resources to protecting vital assets that are under threat of destruction by the  negative impacts associated with manmade, technological and natural hazards It can not be disputed that relative assets are important for social and economic functioning and their destruction can halt operations and critical processes for a significant period of time. With regard to Solux Books Limited, vulnerability assessment is vital for protecting its infrastructure and general wellbeing. This paper reviews how security officials determine the vulnerabilities to natural, manmade and technological hazards.

The natural hazards that are likely to affect this institution are caused by geologic processes. These include landslides, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and so forth. Usually, the impacts related to the abovementioned hazards are beyond human control. Analyzing the probability of their occurrence and the extent of their impacts allows for viable decision making with regards to establishing credible preventive measures. The technological hazards on the other had are triggered by scientific or technical failures and have adverse impacts on both man and the environment. Various technological challenges such as cyber crime have adverse impacts on the information systems of the organization. It is widely agreed that human decisions lead to the occurrence of natural, technological and manmade disasters in different ways. Basically, the security officials undertake vulnerability assessments frequently. The process in this regard includes identification of probable hazards based on various factors. These are then rated, again based on multiple factors.

To begin with, the security of the institution evaluates the organizational vulnerability to manmade hazards by surveying its physical security. In particular, it reviews the accessibility to the compound of the institution and the effectiveness of various control measures employed for restricting access. Particular areas that are evaluated include the status of control perimeters, doors, windows, walls, roofs and the availability of hiding places. This is usually instrumental in identifying possible physical hazards that compromise the security of the region. According to Gheorghe (2005), ensuring physical security is requisite for attaining psychological security.

This is closely related to analysis of the vulnerability of the institution to environmental hazards. In this regard, the security addresses various hazards that are related to incidences of oil spills as well as release of hazardous materials, sewage and pesticides near the institution. In addition, the vulnerability of varied natural resources such as wetlands, prairies and endangered species that are near the institution is also evaluated. Undoubtedly, the hazards that are related to these natural resources can have far reaching implications on the holistic wellbeing of humanity. In his review, Garcia (2005) indicates that relative environmental impacts have the ability to jeopardize species and habitats as well as threaten public health, operations of economic sectors such as transportation and energy and the general quality of life of humans. Certainly, the hazards related to the preceding physical facets of the environment need to be analyzed to determine inherent weaknesses that can lead to occurrence of natural disasters.

Also, the security reviews the socioeconomic and criminal activity factors that are associated with the environment within which the institution is located. In this regard, the security reviews the manufacturers, suppliers, transporters, wholesalers, retailers as well as the financials and insurance aspects of the institution. Analyzing the economic segment of the institution is usually geared towards understanding the implications of these on the human resource that derives its livelihood from the institution. In this regard, .............