Page 62 - Security Today, October 2017

All the Hype
Finding the best way to design a layered security solution
BAy Paul Shkedy
longside the hype in the media about the border wall, this might be a good time for commercial and industrial companies to take a closer look at their own borders. Threat levels are increasing due to ris- ing crime, civil activism and even cyber threats and it
is more important than ever to push the line of defense all the way to the borders.
When addressing perimeter security, it is best to try and design a layered system since there is no single technology or solution that would fit every application. The layers and technology should be se- lected based on the level of detection and identification that is re- quired; as well as the terrain and environment it will operate in, which is ultimately determined by the value of the information or product that is being protected. It would be an overkill to implement a multi- level intrusion detection system with thermal cameras and a fiber optic intrusion detection system on an anti-cut & climb fence that is protecting a dog run.
When designing a perimeter security application it is important to consider the “5-D” rule, Deter, Detect, Delay, Deny and Defend. Just like in the example above, the D’s must match the objective and level of threat. Although each layer has a specific goal it is important to have a way of connecting them together to form a unified system that provides situational awareness. Let’s look at each of these elements.
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Begin with Deter
The dictionary definition of deter is: to discourage (someone) from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the conse- quences. This is the area that needs the most attention in my opinion as it differentiates the intruder’s motivation. For the most part theft is a crime of opportunity. The easier it is to reach objects of value the more prone they are to be taken. Have you ever noticed how junk yards have very intimidating fences built from flat steel panels with barbed wire spanning the top and most likely a vicious dog inside the property? This is a very intentional and effective method of deter- ring opportunistic criminals from attempting to enter the yard. Only those with a clear objective and intent would attempt entry.
There is a delicate balance between cost, aesthetics and deterrent capabilities that must be considered when designing a perimeter sys- tem. A perimeter with minimal deterrence capability will require a greater investment in the other layers.
Before we get into the technologies, we need to first understand the purpose of a wall or intrusion detection system.
The main purpose is to deter entry, however in this modern age of information we would expect it to do more, at bare minimum, it should give us additional situational awareness. After all without knowing how many attempts it thwarted, we might feel that it was a waste of resources and more importantly we may never know how
PERIMETER SECURITY