As security practitioners, we’re often challenged to think many steps ahead of potential threats and how to protect against them. However, an equally important component of security education is ensuring we respect and understand the foundational elements that evolving entrance control security solutions are built on.
While we don’t need to go back to the invention of the lock and key, it is a good reminder to understand the principles of what the investments we make in all security systems; from physical, technology, to human, are intended to do at the very basic of levels.
Entrance control systems from the most primitive to the most cutting edge are intended to do the same three things: deter, detect and detain potential security threats. Their ability to do this can vary in the complexity of the solution but each plays a vital role in a comprehensive security posture.
Here’s an in-depth look at each one of the foundational 3 “D’s” in entrance control.
Deter
In the area of physical security, barriers, such as turnstiles, are most often implemented in a security protocol to deter potential security threats. Beyond deterring a physical breach, turnstiles such as Fastlane® optical turnstiles by Smarter Security have the ability to integrate multiple different functionalities like elevator dispatch readers and biometric authentication which require multiple credentials to gain entry all working against a potential intruder psychologically.
Detect
The ability to detect security threats is evolving as rapidly as the breaches occurring. Detection has the ability to extend from the surface level of security policies throughout all levels of the organization. At its most basic, video surveillance has served as a primary detection method but now extended to utilize AI in video surveillance data. Multiple solutions, such as Fastlane optical turnstiles and Door Detectives® detect and alert security personnel of tailgating violations as well as ensuring that only one person enters per authentication. While this is not an exhaustive list of the abilities that exist for a security organization to detect, it is an important example that detection capabilities are critical to an organization’s security posture.
Detain
During this foundational element, a potential security threat is imminent and must be shut down quickly. From a physical security perspective, there are two tried and true components that can be installed when the need to detain potential security threats exists; usually at high-security facilities such as financial, pharmaceutical, technology, law enforcement, or government agency buildings. Security booths and revolving doors both have the capability to run necessary security checks on an individual while passing through. However, these entries must often be manned to ensure only one person is entering the compartment of the door at a time. If a security threat or unauthorized person is detected while the person is in the booth, they can be rejected from the facility or held until the necessary authorities arrive.
The Foundation for Smart Entrance Control
A good physical security strategy starts with Smarter Security. Download our white paper on why smart buildings must incorporate smart entrance control to discover the essential solutions that blend functionality with design.
