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Not every security risk is obvious. Some of the biggest vulnerabilities are the ones you don’t really think about because you don’t always see them. But, that’s the nature of critical infrastructure. If it’s out of sight, out of mind… and that can make it an easy target.

What Counts as Critical Infrastructure?

Critical infrastructure includes the systems and assets that are vital to your business operations. Without them, everything grinds to a halt. While cybersecurity gets a lot of attention, physical infrastructure security is just as important, but frequently overlooked.

Let’s think about the systems your business depends on every day.

• Electrical panels and power sources – The backbone of your facility. A single attack on an exposed panel can cut power to your entire operation.

• HVAC and water supply systems – Essential for employee safety, equipment functionality, and maintaining controlled environments.

• Network and communication hubs – These are the physical locations that support your digital infrastructure. If damaged, your internet, phones, and security systems could all go down.

• Backup generators and fuel storage – Designed to keep you running in an emergency, but only if they’re protected from tampering.

These aren’t just minor details. They’re what keep your business running. If they aren’t secured, they can be easily targeted.

Take a Look Around—Is It Secure?

Step outside your building when you have a moment and take a good look at the infrastructure around it. At first, your answers to these questions might not seem like a big deal, but consider how quickly and easily someone could disable these critical systems.

• Are electrical panels exposed?
• Are HVAC units easily accessible?
• Are backup power supplies enclosed and secure?

Imagine someone walking up to your building with a sledgehammer. If there’s no barrier, no lock, nothing to stop them, how long would it take for them to cut power to your entire facility?

Probably less time than you think, and when that happens?

Your business stops. No power means no productivity.

Revenue is lost. Every hour of downtime costs money.

Equipment could be damaged. Sudden shutdowns can ruin sensitive electronics and systems.

Clients lose trust. If your operations go down unexpectedly, they might start looking elsewhere.

There’s immediate damage, but also a ripple effect. The longer it takes to get back up and running, the worse the impact.

The Hidden Risks You Just Don’t See

A lot of businesses assume that if something hasn’t happened yet, it won’t happen at all. But security isn’t about reacting after the fact, rather, for us, it’s about preventing the problem in the first place.

Even if your facility is in a “safe” area, that doesn’t mean you’re not at risk. Sometimes, it’s simple mistakes or accidents that cause enormous loss.

• A contractor leaves a panel unlocked.
• An employee props open a secured door for convenience.
• Routine maintenance gets overlooked.

Any of these can create an opening for an attack, and when it comes to critical infrastructure, one small oversight can turn into a major disruption.

How to Prevent It Before It Happens

You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to fix the problem. A Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) is one of the best ways to identify weak points in your facility before they’re exploited. It looks at all aspects of your physical security, including your critical infrastructure, and gives you a plan to secure it properly.

At Safe Haven Risk Management, we specialize in identifying security gaps that most businesses overlook. We assess your facility’s layout, access points, and existing protections to make sure that everything—including the infrastructure you don’t think about every day—is safe.

If you’re not sure how well your facility is protected, let’s talk. Reach out today to schedule an assessment. There’s no need to wait until your critical infrastructure becomes a target!