SecurityArena

Perimeter Security

Important: You must have a diversity of controls. For example, if one key works on four different door locks, the intruder has to obtain only one key. Each entry should have its own individual key or authentication combination.

Access control points should be identified, marked, and monitored properly.

Facility Access Control

Enforced through physical and technical components

• Locks. Locks are inexpensive access control mechanisms that are considered delaying devices to intruders.To the curious mind or a determined thief, a lock is considered a little puzzle to solve, not a deterrent.
  • Mechanical Locks. There are two main types of mechanical locks, the warded lock and the tumbler lock.
  • Combination locks. These require the correct combination of numbers to unlock them.
  • Cipher locks. These are also known as programmable locks, are keyless and use keypads to control access into an area or facility. The lock requires a specific combination to be entered into the keypad and possibly a swipe card. Compared to traditional locks, cipher locks can provide a much higher level of security and control of who can access a facility. Options available on many cipher locks:
    • Door delay: If the door is held open for a long period of time, an alarm will trigger to alert personnel of suspicious activity.
    • Key-override: A specific combination can be programmed to be used in emergency situations to override usual procedures or for supervisory overrides.
    • Master-keying: Enables supervisory personnel to change access codes and other features of the cipher lock.
• Hostage alarm: If an individual is in duress and/or held hostage, there can be a combination he or she enter to communicate this situation to the guard station and/or police station.
• Device Locks. These are used to protect devices, attached peripherals or unused physical ports by using switch controls, slot locks, port controls, peripheral switch control and cable traps.
• Keys.  It is important for an organization to have proper documented key management and maintenance procedures. Most organizations have master keys and submaster keys for the facility management staff. A master key opens all the locks within the facility, and the submaster keys open one or more locks. Each lock has its own individual, unique keys as well.