Maintaining the physical security of government buildings has always been a challenge. These days, though, local, state, and federal governmental organizations all face a greater range of threats than ever.
Today’s world is highly interconnected, so it’s not uncommon for information security threats to carry over into the physical world and vice versa. As a result, the process of securing government buildings is becoming increasingly complex.
Meeting Evolving Security Standards
Government facilities must be held to exceptionally high standards when it comes to physical security. The securing of Federal facilities is governed by the Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12, which enforces standards requiring the implementation of certain security technologies. Access control systems that include identity verification and record logs are now mandated by the Directive, to give just one example.
Addressing the Ever-Present Threat of Assailant Attacks
Government buildings of all types, not just those that house Federal facilities, face serious threats from assailants every day. Unlawful entry and thefts are the most common issues, but sabotage and even bomb attempts are not unheard of in government buildings.
Government facilities often house not just important, often confidential documents but also vital personnel whose invaluable experience and expertise can place them in harm’s way. Access control systems and other physical security measures can go a long way toward preventing unauthorized personnel from entering the building. However, maintaining an integrated physical and information security system is the best way to prevent hostile situations.
Understanding the Role of Information and Network Security
Information security refers to the process of protecting and securing valuable data, and it’s becoming increasingly essential to the effective physical guarding of buildings and their occupants. If cybercriminals are able to hack into a building’s networks, they could easily manipulate any technological safeguards put in place to prevent unauthorized access.
It’s often the case that legacy security and surveillance systems present easy entry points for today’s more sophisticated cyber criminals. Checking to make sure that all of the surveillance tech integrated into the building’s networks is up-to-date and heavily protected is a must for ensuring both physical and information security.
Understanding the Role of Advanced Technologies
While all of the advanced technology in the world cannot currently replace a highly trained team of security experts, it can be put to good use augmenting the efforts of human personnel. AI systems that detect anomalous activity, surveillance software that incorporates maps of the facilities to make it easier to follow potential threats remotely, and automated access requests are all good examples.
Taking advantage of these and other modern technologies will allow security teams to operate more effectively. Just be sure that the technology meant to augment physical security procedures doesn’t place the facility at risk of cyber-attacks.
Key Takeaways
Government buildings have always been appealing targets for terrorists, thieves, and criminals. The challenges faced by today’s security teams are becoming increasingly complex, but, thankfully, so are the technologies being developed to counter crime. The teams responsible for securing government buildings should be granted access to the full range of technological tools required to keep up with the ever-evolving threat landscape.
