PHYSICAL SECURITY

Physical security relies on the presence, or otherwise on physical limitations, to the activities that a criminal or other unauthorized person might wish to carry out. The origins of such security are almost as old as man himself – ancient earth-works such as Maiden Castle in Dorset are evidence of an era when man had to protect himself from his fellow man and indeed probably from the animal world too. The high ramparts of earth were later replaced by stone ramparts of castles, which were then supplemented by moats and the like.

Today these are replaced by walls, fences and other obstacles that can prevent intrusion, or at least make it very difficult for an intruder to gain access. Locks on doors of varying degrees of sophistication do the same job – provided the door itself is strong enough. There have been instances where very expensive digital or combination locks have been put on doors that themselves could be lifted off the hinges or simply forced open by battering the hinges off their mountings.

There are three principal types of control that are available to the security manager and they have been mentioned earlier. Each has its place and role to play and, when used in conjunction with one another can supplement and enhance the overall assurance of an organization significantly and effectively. However, if they are used inappropriately or without due consideration, they can actually end up reducing overall security by providing a loophole, weak link or back door into a secure environment. The old adage that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link is still very true.