Understanding Security Control

Understanding Security Control

In Brief

In a previous post, we explored the foundations of physical security controls as tangible mechanisms that prevent, detect, and respond to unauthorized physical access. Today, let’s provide understanding into how these controls form the bedrock of a resilient security posture.

While cybersecurity often dominates discussions, physical access control remains non-negotiable in protecting both digital and physical assets. After all, even the most secure firewall can’t prevent someone from walking into your server room if physical access isn’t controlled.

Physical access controls refer to protective measures and tools you can physically touch, ranging from fences and cameras to mantraps, biometric systems, and environmental design. Their purpose is twofold:
✓To safeguard personnel: The most valuable asset in any organization.
✓To protect critical infrastructure. This includes servers, documents, and operational environments.

•Badge Systems: Badge-based access control is foundational to managing entry into secure environments. These systems operate using an enrollment process, where user identities are assigned to access devices (e.g., ID badges) and permissions configured to restrict or grant access to specific zones.

•Biometric Access Control Systems: Use unique human traits to authenticate identity. They can be physiological or behavioral, and are often employed in high-security environments like data centers, research facilities, or critical infrastructure.
Types of Biometrics -Fingerprint, Iris and Retina Scans, Palm Vein Recognition, Facial Recognition, Voice Recognition, and Keystroke Dynamics.

•CPTED is a proactive security framework that leverages architectural and environmental design to reduce crime. Key CPTED strategies; Natural Surveillance, Access Control, Territorial Reinforcement, and Maintenance (Broken Window Theory).

•Monitoring and Surveillance: Surveillance systems enhance both deterrence and post-incident response. They’re often integrated into a centralized security operations center (SOC) and work in conjunction with motion sensors and alarms.
Key monitoring tools: CCTV Cameras, Motion Detectors, Perimeter Sensors, and Turnstiles and Mantraps

•Physical Logging and Auditing: Access logs, both manual (e.g., sign-in sheets) and electronic, play a key role in supporting investigations, audits, and compliance.

•Security Guards: Despite the rise of automation, security personnel remain irreplaceable for their judgment, adaptability, and deterrence capability.

• Alarm Systems
Alarm systems alert designated personnel or law enforcement when unauthorized access or emergencies occur. Such as Intrusion Alarms, Fire Alarms, and Panic Alarms.

Physical access controls are not standalone solutions but they are part of a broader, risk-informed security strategy.

Disclaimer – This post has only been shared for an educational and knowledge-sharing purpose related to Technologies. Information was obtained from the source above source. All rights and credits are reserved for the respective owner(s).

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Source: LinkedIn

Credits: Mr. Lasisi Sanni, CPO, SRMP-C