Such a meeting can help employers get a sense for their vulnerabilities, but employers must bear in mind that the vendor is there to sell something, cautions Mr. Kaufer. Many experts say the only consultant worth hiring has no affiliation with any type of commercial sales operation, including companies that market security-alarm systems or provide security guards. Another alternative is to get an assessment by your local police. However, the quality of the assessment varies by officer and department, he says. But Mr. Libengood cautions that police often focus on external factors, while a consultant would address internal factors affecting a business's security.
Some companies have internal security operations that can perform a security-risk assessment.
Mr. Kaminsky agrees that it is a good idea to have an outside expert take a fresh look at a business's security issues, versus doing the job internally. But he cautions that businesses shouldn't expect to be insulated from liability just because they outsourced the job. Look For Credentials, Experience Employers that choose to hire a security consultant may find that selecting one can be tricky, but experts can point out a few guideposts. Va. The organization has 32,000 members who have professional responsibilities in the security area. Key tests in choosing the right security consultant include experience, references and whether the consultant fits the style of your organization.