Access control systems are meant to prevent unauthorized access as well as control access to secure facilities and spaces, whether physical or digital, which can be achieved by using myriad authentication methods such as biometrics.
While access control systems are vital, particularly for large organizations or places with lots of physical and digital traffic, intrusion detection helps enhance the efficacy of access control systems and is thus a vital component of an overall access control system.
In physical security, an intrusion detection system is a security mechanism designed to detect intrusion or unauthorized entry into protected areas, facilities, or spaces. This is done before an intrusion attempt is made or completed by alerting relevant authorities or triggering procedures meant to thwart or delay intrusion attempts.
IDS are no longer just a preserve of high-security facilities and applications such as jails, military bases, airports, and border crossings. They’re increasingly being deployed in homes, offices, and particularly in commercial and industrial applications where valuable and priceless assets are being stored and utilized.
Components of a physical IDS system include control panels, alarms, surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and glass break sensors, which are typically mounted on doors, windows, walls, or any other appropriate surfaces. The sensors monitor and analyze the environment for intrusion signs that might include variations in heat, motion, or sound.
Data from the sensors is processed by the control panel, which triggers an alarm when certain conditions or parameters that signal intrusion are met.
Intrusion detection systems can be paired with intrusion detection systems and even initiate prevention measures such as lockdown procedures without direct human input.
Types of Physical IDS
Perimeter Intrusion Detection System, which monitors the outer boundaries and perimeter of a facility or protected area, detects intrusion prior to potential intruders gaining or attempting entry into protected areas.
Interior Intrusion Detection System, which detects intruders inside the facility or space.
Point Intrusion Detection System, which protects specific entry and exit points such as doors, windows, or gates and detects possible breaches.
The 4 principles of Intrusion Detection & Prevention
Deterrence
Deterrence measures are meant to dissuade potential intruders from attempting to breach or gain unauthorized entry into secure facilities and spaces.
They can range from simple measures such as leaving the lights and TV on when away from home, signage that notifies the general public about the presence of dogs, live fences, or cameras, to more sophisticated measures such as visible security cameras, electric fences, formidable-looking barricades, and alarm system sirens.
Effective deterrence measures have the practical and psychological effect of making an intrusion attempt seem daunting, futile, or dangerous.
Delay
Intrusion detection systems help delay an intrusion attempt by requiring a systematic analysis of the flow or passage of traffic through protected entry and exit points. This can help slow down and delay possible intrusion attempts.
Detection
When intrusion is detected via sensors such as motion detectors, glass break sensors, or security cameras, a notification alert or alarm is triggered, notifying relevant parties and initiating an incident response.
Security cameras in this case can also be used for incident verification and analysis.
Denial
When an alarm is triggered, notifications are sent, and an incident response is underway. Intrusion detection protocols, like lockdown procedures, can be automatically invoked.
When executed correctly, the intrusion attempt fails or is often abandoned.
Key considerations when evaluating and deploying a Physical Intruder Detection System
Accuracy: The system needs to have a high degree of accuracy, particularly when it comes to aspects like facial recognition and alarm triggers. Regular false alarms might be a nuisance or encourage complacency and laxity in incident response.
Reliability: The system needs to be robust enough to withstand network outages, power failures, or adverse weather conditions. Sensors, cabling, and attendant hardware and software must be able to maintain 100% integrity and uptime since a small lapse at the wrong time can allow a costly breach.
Relevance: The system ought to have the ability to update or be easily upgradeable to keep up with changing and evolving needs such as AI, object tracking and classification, analytics, or advanced facial and biometric search functionalities. It should also be able to be integrated with adjacent and supporting hardware and systems such as warning and evacuation systems, staff and visitor management systems, analytics, and assorted security hardware such as cameras, barriers, and locks.
—
Comments