Physical security refers to the measures put in place to protection of a building, resource, or equipment against an unauthorized person. Physical and digital security systems are becoming increasingly integrated to provide an impenetrable line of defence against threats ranging from natural disasters to sophisticated criminals.
How Physical Security Works
To fully understand the potential of the technologies listed below, it is first necessary to know a little more about physical security. The practice involves two distinct focuses: deterrence and detection:
*Deterrence is the measures put in place to prevent and protect against attackers and intruders or accidents and natural events. The classic example of this is the use of ‘no entry’ signs, which warn of legal repercussions or potential dangers to safety.
*Detection, the use of dogs, cameras, motion sensors, and other equipment allows security guards to detect invasion and respond promptly.
A traditional physical security system usually has one main downside; namely, it is open to human error. In large complexes, it can be impossible to monitor each area simultaneously, and when interference is detected, it might not be instantly dealt with. The evolution of technology has revolutionized both deference and detection of physical security, eliminating the possibility of human error. It offers a fast and effective way of preventing the loss of assets and intellectual property.
1. Biometrics
Biometrics is a term that describes the use of a physical attribute, specific to an individual, as a means of security. For examples, the one that most people will be familiar with is Apple’s use of a fingerprint scanner on their iPhones and iPads. The technology of Biometrics is evolving, making it a superior choice a wide variety of security measures. Tools like biometric readers can be used in a range of different locations, meaning that no longer will criminals be able to pick locks to gain access to a secure location. These systems also eliminate the need for cards or passes, which can be easily misplaced and picked up by the wrong people.
2. Automation
The examples of security automation are already visible and are predicted to only grow in popularity in the coming years. Examples of security automation include cameras, drones, and even physical robots standing in for human guards, patrolling corridors or parking lots, and detecting both sound and motion.
3. Intelligent CCTV
These systems can spot visual and audio clues of security breaches, as well as acting upon these to alert authorities, all in real-time. These artificial intelligence cameras are already being used by police forces across the world and are likely to become adopted by businesses in the nature future.
4. Technical Surveillance Countermeasures
Technical surveillance countermeasures, or TSCM, refers to the use of highly sophisticated equipment that is used in both physical and technical sweeps for the detection and removal of concealed devices and bugs. It is a broad and evolving field and can be used to identify a range of devices from covert listening devices, visual surveillance, and software, as well as identifying digital and physical security weaknesses
