Access Control Design

Sample Answer

Here's a proposed security design for protecting a facility, from exterior entry to critical asset storage, using a layered approach with access control elements:

Facility Type: Medium-sized office building with a dedicated, high-security area for critical asset storage (e.g., data center, research lab, or vault).

I. Perimeter Security:

• Countermeasure 1: Perimeter Fence (Barrier): A robust, high-security fence (e.g., chain-link with anti-climb features, or a palisade fence) acts as the first line of defense, deterring casual intrusion and delaying potential attackers. This allows time for other systems to react.
• Countermeasure 2: Perimeter Lighting: Bright, strategically placed lighting (e.g., LED floodlights with motion sensors) illuminates the perimeter, deterring intruders and enhancing CCTV surveillance effectiveness. It complements the fence by making it more difficult to breach unseen.
• Countermeasure 3: CCTV Surveillance (Detection & Deterrence): A network of high-resolution, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras with infrared capabilities covers the entire perimeter. This provides real-time monitoring and recording of activity, deterring potential intruders and providing evidence in case of an incident. The cameras are integrated with the control center for centralized monitoring.

Full Answer Section

Building Access Control:

• Countermeasure 4: Access Control System (ACS) with Card Readers: All building entrances are secured with an ACS. Employees and authorized personnel are issued access cards. Card readers at each entrance control access based on pre-defined permissions. This restricts entry to authorized individuals only.
• Countermeasure 5: Turnstiles (Barrier & Controlled Entry): For high-traffic entrances, turnstiles can be used to further control and monitor entry. They can be integrated with the ACS to allow passage only after a valid card swipe. This complements the card reader by providing a physical barrier.
• Countermeasure 6: Intrusion Detection System (IDS): Sensors (e.g., door contacts, motion detectors, glass break detectors) are placed throughout the building, especially near entrances and sensitive areas. The IDS detects unauthorized entry attempts and triggers alarms, alerting security personnel at the control center. This works in conjunction with the ACS by detecting breaches even if access cards are stolen or misused.

III. Critical Asset Storage Area Security:

• Countermeasure 7: Biometric Access Control: Entry to the critical asset storage area requires multi-factor authentication, including a biometric scan (e.g., fingerprint, iris scan) in addition to a valid access card. This provides an extra layer of security and ensures only authorized personnel with specific biometric credentials can access the area.
• Countermeasure 8: Vault/Strong Room (Physical Barrier): The critical assets are stored within a vault or strong room with reinforced walls, a heavy-duty door, and a secure locking mechanism. This provides a physical barrier against unauthorized access, even if other layers are breached.
• Countermeasure 9: CCTV Surveillance (Internal): Cameras are placed inside the critical asset storage area to monitor activity and record any unauthorized access attempts. This complements the biometric access control and vault by providing an audit trail.
• Countermeasure 10: Environmental Monitoring: Sensors monitor temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors within the storage area to protect the assets from damage. This is specific to the needs of the stored assets (e.g., data center cooling).

IV. Control Center Equipment:

• Central Monitoring Station: A dedicated control center houses the monitoring equipment for all security systems. This includes:
  • CCTV video management system (VMS)
  • ACS management software
  • IDS control panel
  • Biometric access control system management software
  • Environmental monitoring system console
• Communication System: A reliable communication system (e.g., radio, intercom) is essential for security personnel to communicate with each other and respond to incidents.
• Backup Power Supply: A backup power supply (e.g., UPS, generator) ensures that the security systems continue to operate even during power outages.

V. Protective Measures for the System:

• Cybersecurity: All systems are protected by strong passwords, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems to prevent hacking and unauthorized access to the security infrastructure itself. Regular security audits and updates are conducted.
• Physical Security of the Control Center: The control center itself is a highly secured area with restricted access, surveillance, and its own access control system.
• Redundancy: Critical components of the system (e.g., servers, cameras) are redundant to ensure continued operation in case of failure.
• Regular Testing and Maintenance: The entire system is regularly tested and maintained to ensure it is functioning correctly and effectively. This includes testing alarms, cameras, access control systems, and communication systems.
• Personnel Training: Security personnel are thoroughly trained on how to operate the system, respond to incidents, and follow security protocols.

This layered security design combines physical barriers, electronic surveillance, access control systems, and trained personnel to provide comprehensive protection for the facility and its critical assets. Each countermeasure complements the others, creating a robust defense against potential threats.