The threats to government facilities are many: vandalism, theft, cyberattacks, and sabotage. The protection against these threats at any facility starts at the perimeter. If threats find vulnerabilities at the boundary lines of critical infrastructure facilities, they can cause extensive damage before they even get inside. The border of a well-secured facility should mitigate risks, deter unwanted activity, and enable swift response to potential threats.
Security hardening shifts the focus outward by identifying and addressing physical and cyber risks—before it’s too late. Here are the challenges to be aware of and how to ensure your perimeters are set up for high security.
Perimeter Security Challenges
Many challenges exist around the perimeter of critical infrastructure. Some of the most common perimeter security challenges to expect include:
- Physical breaches that allow intruders to exploit gaps in fences, walls, or gates and gain access to the facility.
- Environmental factors such as fog, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures that can interfere with intrusion detection.
- Insider threats from employees and contractors who misuse privileges to bypass perimeter defenses, either intentionally or unintentionally.
- Cyber vulnerabilities that allow hackers to infiltrate surveillance systems and disable your visibility to physical threats along the fence line.
- System gaps caused by poor integration that cyber attacks could exploit.
- Human error, such as running unscanned software updates, that introduces malware into otherwise secure systems.
- Evasive tactics, such as using drones, that bypass traditional perimeter monitoring systems.
Key Elements in an Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment
A comprehensive and hardened security environment can overcome these challenges. Creating this environment involves integrating physical and cyber security solutions into a cohesive system. The key components of this system include:
Perimeter Sensors
Sensors detect activity along a facility’s boundary. They might sense movement, vibrations, sound, or any other sign of unauthorized entry. Modern sensors are ultra-precise and detect activity while translating and analyzing it to reduce false alarms.
For example, sensors can differentiate between a person approaching a fence and nearby wildlife, producing the appropriate alert for the situation. Sensors are especially useful for detecting intrusions in real time so security teams can respond immediately.
Advanced Video Surveillance
Modern surveillance systems come equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and AI-powered video analytics to help them overcome challenges such as low-light conditions and inclement weather. Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning, these systems can automatically identify unusual behaviors, such as loitering in a restricted area or attempted forced entry through a secure gate. It can also track movement through a large area, giving security teams real-time feedback about what’s happening on the ground.
Cyber Security Hardening
Protecting the perimeter systems from cyber threats is just as important as physical defenses. Security hardening ensures that surveillance and monitoring systems are resistant to hacking attempts. A hardened virtual environment will include:
- A closed network for surveillance systems to minimize external access points
- Regular manufacturer-recommended updates to meet specific security criteria
- Scans of all updates for malware or malicious software before implementation
- Monitoring network activity in real-time to detect and prevent potential breaches
Without these measures, attackers could exploit cyber vulnerabilities to disable video surveillance systems, leaving you blind to perimeter threats. A hardened system minimizes the risk by creating multiple layers of protection.
Access Control Integration
A strong perimeter doesn’t stop at simple detection. It should also extend to access control systems. Smart barriers, biometric authorization, and automated systems ensure that only authorized personnel can enter secure areas. Integrating intrusion detection and access control systems allows security teams to take immediate action, such as locking down entry points after a breach is detected at a boundary.
Best Practices for Hardening Perimeter Security
To create a secure perimeter, facilities must adopt best practices that use cutting-edge technology strategically. Some best practices include:
- Protect physical access to information. Ensure critical equipment and sensitive documents are physically secure, such as locking them in safes, to prevent theft or destruction.
- Conduct regular risk assessments. Evaluate the perimeter and systems for potential vulnerabilities and address them proactively.
- Test and update systems frequently. Ensure all components, from sensors to access control systems, are functioning correctly and updated with the latest software.
- Invest in staff training. Personnel play a critical role in maintaining security. Training should focus on understanding the importance of adhering to security protocols and recognizing and responding to potential threats.
- Collaborate with experts. Security hardening for critical infrastructure is complex and ever-evolving with emerging threats. A security solutions expert can help you develop a hardened security system that meets federal compliance standards and gives you confidence in your perimeter.
Ariel Secures Perimeters With Reliable Solutions
You don’t want to doubt the security of your perimeter or any aspect of your facility. The team at Ariel Secure Technologies is highly experienced in fortifying facilities that need the highest security. Through our advanced training and proven, integrated solutions, we equip clients with the visibility, confidence, and control they need. Our approach gracefully marries prescriptive compliance with federal security standards and custom designs tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to get the right security hardening solutions for your facility.
