Top 5 Perimeter Security Vulnerabilities

TOP 5

Perimeter Security Vulnerabilities

Physical security barriers that were considered effective at deterring or impeding threats 10 years ago can put a facility at risk today. In order to meet the ever-changing needs and challenges of missioncritical organizations, it’s important to think beyond the present.

Some perimeter security vulnerabilities are obvious, but others can be more difficult to identify.

After decades of working with a wide range of commercial, federal, military and municipal organizations around the world, the Global GRAB team of perimeter security experts has discovered numerous vulnerabilities that are often overlooked. Here are the top five vulnerabilities they have identified: MULTIPLE VENDORS 1When a variety of perimeter security companies and experts are involved in the design and delivery of a security solution, it may not ultimately meet the intended goals. The best practice is to work with a single team that has the industry experience, knowledge of best practices, and end-to-end perimeter security capabilities to successfully deliver the desired outcome.

Perimeter security professionals should not just deliver a product and call it a day. Instead, they should handle all aspects of the design and installation of a perimeter security solution, including engineering, fabrication, manufacturing, design, integration of products and solutions, and more.

Similarly, as potential threats become more sophisticated and needs change over time, the partnership with a perimeter security firm shouldn’t end after installation. Well-run organizations will need a welldesigned maintenance, service and warranty program that can meet the challenges of the organization and exceed customer expectations.

NON-CRASH RATED BARRIERS 2As different hostile vehicle mitigation solutions are evaluated and compare, the terms “crash-rated” and “non-crash rated barriers” will be part of the discussion. Noncrash rated barriers tend to have a smaller price tag, but their effectiveness is computeranalyzed, not crashed or certified by an agency. Alternatively, a crash-rated barrier undergoes rigorous real-world testing by a certifying agency such as ASTM. Crash ratings are usually determined by three factors: how heavy the vehicle is, how fast the vehicle is traveling and how far past the barrier the vehicle travels. When it comes to securing a facility and protecting the people and data inside, it’s important to consider the benefits of crash-rated products and solutions and be on the lookout for those that have achieved the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation or Certification.

IMMOBILITY

Permanent barriers are a great option for securing facilities like data centers and airports, but these are not suitable for every application. Mobile barriers offer more flexibility for special events, law enforcement, military units and more. Traffic cones or barbed wire do not always provide the level of protection and deterrence needed. Simple cones are ineffective traffic barriers and concertina wire (or barbed wire) is both time-consuming and requires special training to deploy. Mobile barriers are much more effective at mitigating threats quickly and easily.

It’s important to note, however, that there are many differences in mobile barriers. Some are heavy, difficult to transport and timeconsuming to set up and takedown. Other mobile barriers are crash-rated, lightweight, quick to assemble, easy to store and do not require special training to deploy.

OUTDATED EQUIPMENT 4 Many facilities now require more advanced protection such as reinforcement of their existing chain link fence with a crash rated post and cable solution. A fence should be supported by additional prevention and detection controls, like vehicle barriers and intrusion detection technology, depending on the risks facing the organization. Outdated perimeter security barriers are equally risky and ineffective. In order to rise to the challenges facing organizations today, it’s worth exploring new, trusted perimeter security innovations that will ultimately save time, money and, potentially, lives. Fortunately, in most cases, there is no need to waste money on mass-produced, prefabricated barriers. Vulnerabilities can be