When it comes to workplace security, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that visible measures are enough. Security cameras? Check. Locked doors? Check. Maybe even a guard at the front desk. But at ProActive Response Group, we’ve seen time and time again that the biggest threats often lie beneath the surface. They aren’t always the things you can see—they’re the things you overlook.
A corporate risk assessment goes beyond the obvious. It identifies both physical and procedural weaknesses that could be exploited. Here are five of the most commonly overlooked vulnerabilities that could be putting your business, your employees, and your reputation at risk.
It’s not uncommon for businesses to assume that locking the main doors and installing a keycard system is enough. But many buildings have multiple points of entry—delivery entrances, emergency exits, stairwell doors, loading docks, and more. During security assessments, we frequently find that these alternate access points are either unsecured, improperly monitored, or simply ignored in daily operations.
The danger? Intruders don’t always use the front door. An employee propping open a side exit for a smoke break may unintentionally compromise the entire building. A contractor with outdated credentials may still have access to sensitive areas.
Fix: Conduct a full audit of all building access points. Install door sensors, update access control credentials regularly, and train employees on why it’s critical to report unsecured doors.
Security systems are only as effective as the people who use them. Many businesses invest in technology but fail to train their staff on how to use it correctly or what to do in a crisis.
Employees should be your first line of defense, not the weakest link. Yet most don’t know how to identify behavioral red flags, report suspicious activity, or respond effectively in an active shooter or emergency situation. And without proper training, even the best emergency plan may fall apart under pressure.
Fix: Incorporate regular safety and security training into your company culture. From active shooter response to recognizing signs of workplace violence, training empowers your people to act instead of freeze.
Every organization should have an emergency response plan. But having a plan isn’t the same as having an effective plan. We often find that emergency protocols are outdated, too complex, or unknown to employees.
Ask yourself:
If the answer to any of these is “no,” your plan may be more of a liability than a solution.
Fix: Make your emergency response plan a living document. Review it annually. Run well-planned drills. Involve every department in tabletop exercises to improve coordination.
Technology is a critical component of modern security, but it can’t do the job alone. Cameras record incidents; they don’t prevent them. Alarms alert you after the fact. Access control systems only work if credentials are managed and enforced.
Many organizations rely on a “set it and forget it” mindset with their security tech, believing their systems will take care of everything automatically. This complacency can lead to major blind spots.
Fix: Perform regular maintenance and audits of all systems. Ensure physical security measures (locks, barriers, guards) complement technology. Most importantly, integrate human oversight into every process.
It’s uncomfortable to think about, but not all threats come from the outside. Insider threats—from disgruntled employees to negligent contractors—can cause just as much harm, if not more.
Internal threats are often harder to detect because they come from trusted individuals who already have access to the building or sensitive data. Behavioral warning signs often go unnoticed or unreported until it’s too late.
Fix: Create a culture of accountability and transparency. Implement anonymous reporting channels. Train managers and HR professionals to recognize early warning signs of behavioral escalation or distress. Conduct background checks and regularly review access privileges.
Ignoring these vulnerabilities isn’t just risky—it’s expensive. Workplace violence, data breaches, and safety violations can result in:
A comprehensive corporate risk assessment by ProActive Response Group addresses these overlooked gaps head-on. We provide detailed, actionable recommendations designed to enhance both physical and procedural security.
Proactive security isn’t about living in fear. It’s about preparing intelligently. When you know your vulnerabilities, you can fix them. When you train your people, they respond instead of panic. And when you assess your risks before an incident occurs, you avoid becoming the next headline.
Ready to find and fix your security blind spots?
Contact ProActive Response Group today to schedule a corporate risk assessment. Let’s make your workplace safer—together.
Jim served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois for 30 years. During his time as a Deputy, Jim served on the SWAT team as an operator, team leader and Commander. Jim was involved in several barricaded gunman/hostage incidents as well as service of high risk arrest and search warrants.
Jim was a member of the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force where he performed surveillance and fugitive apprehension. His team was responsible for thousands of high risk felony fugitive arrests. Jim also served in the patrol division where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was responsible for patrol operations. Jim received numerous awards throughout his career to include Deputy of the Year, medal of valor and unit citation for SWAT operations.
Jim was a state certified CQB (Close Quarter Battle) SWAT instructor as well as an Active Shooter Response instructor, providing training for multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois.
I’m a proven leader with a diverse background in defense, law enforcement, and emergency response. My career began as a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. I then served as a security contractor in Afghanistan and Iraq, further developing my tactical and crisis management skills.
Domestically, I served as a Deputy for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, earning a Medal of Valor, and as a firefighter, where I was awarded a Life Saving Ribbon. These roles reflect my commitment to safety and service, demonstrating leadership under pressure and a passion for protecting others.
As part of the Proactive Response Group Team, I design and deliver comprehensive medical training, developing lesson plans and conducting hands-on sessions. I ensure that participants are equipped with essential medical skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and readiness. My role is vital in preparing our team to handle medical emergencies confidently and competently.
Email: jpregel16@gmail.com
Phone: 720-382-3184
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-pregel-67765451/
Chris is a retired Major from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina. Chris was third in command over operations, overseeing more than 300 sworn Deputies as well as all special teams within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2012, Chris helped to organize a Dignitary Protection Team within the Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Secret Service with Presidential and Vice Presidential visits throughout the state. In addition to his normal duties, Chris performs private security for dignitaries, celebrities, as well as 12 years with the Miss America Organization. Chris has been instructing Active shooter Response with ProActive Response Group since 2021.
In his down time, Chris enjoys time with his wife and daughter, as well as watching sports and fishing.
Email: ctaylor@proactiverg.com
Phone: 864-979-0978
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-taylor-331b00150/
Tyrie Fowler is an Active Shooter Response instructor at Proactive Response Group and an Emergency Medicine Trauma Nurse at Prisma Health in Greenville. A Greenville native, Tyrie earned his Exercise Science degree from the University of South Carolina and his nursing degree from Mary Black School of Nursing. He joined Greenville Health System in 2015, transitioning from Orthopedic Trauma to Emergency Medicine. At Prisma Health, a Level One Trauma Center, he is part of the Trauma Nurse Leader team, with training in Advanced Trauma Care (ATCN) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). Tyrie is pursuing certifications in Emergency Nursing (CEN) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).
Tyrie enjoys Fall for its long runs, college football (Go Gamecocks!), and hunting, including deer and quail. He also loves smoking recipes with a creative twist. As a medical instructor, Tyrie empowers bystanders to provide critical assistance in emergencies, teaching them to control bleeding and manage injuries, ensuring they leave his class confident in making a difference.
Steven J. Anderson is currently an Active Shooter Response Instructor for ProActive Response Group; he enjoys empowering people to survive in life threatening situations. Steve grew up in central Minnesota and spent three years with the United States Army. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Steve worked as a federal agent for the United States Border Patrol where he was a member of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC): completing multiple assignments in Central & South America, an assignment with the United Nations and the Deputy Director (A) of the National Air Security Operation Center. In 2020 he retired from working in Federal Law Enforcement.
In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors especially bow hunting. Steve is a proud husband and father to 3 wonderful daughters.
Rob is originally from Louisville, CO. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and served as a Combat Engineer Officer until 2012. Rob deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2010 where he planned and implemented force protection strategy, counter improvised explosive device operations, and mobility operations for Third Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment and Third Battalion Seventh Marine Regiment . Upon his departure from the military, Rob began to teach firearms and tactics with Arizona based Alpine Arms while simultaneously running his own small residential security consulting firm. Rob relocated the South Carolina in 2021 and joined ProActive Response Group in early 2023.
When not working Rob spends time with his wife Lindsey and son Theo. He enjoys stand up paddle boarding, visiting the rifle range, four wheeling, and camping.
Phone: 720-382-3184
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-christian-29579649/
Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. His experience includes serving as an assistant SWAT team leader, involvement in high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues and the protection of dignitaries, working in criminal investigations (including armed robbery and homicide), and serving on the training committee for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.
