Physical Security
Measures used to protect tangible assets (buildings, equipment, and people) from harm or unauthorized access.
Fencing
Physical barriers made of posts, wire, or boards used to enclose or separate areas and establish boundaries.
Bollards
Short, sturdy vertical posts made of steel or concrete designed to control or prevent vehicle access.
Brute Force (Physical)
Gaining access by physically trying all possibilities until a barrier is breached.
Forcible Entry
Gaining unauthorized access by breaking or bypassing physical barriers such as doors, windows, or fences.
Tampering
Manipulating security devices to create new vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Confronting Security Personnel
Directly attacking or engaging security staff to bypass physical security controls.
Ramming
Using a vehicle to force entry through physical barriers or into a facility.
Surveillance System
An organized setup designed to observe, detect, and report activities in a specific area.
Video Surveillance
Use of cameras to monitor activity, often including motion detection, night vision, or facial recognition.
Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Camera
A camera that can move and zoom to better detect or follow suspicious activity.
Security Guard
A human surveillance control that provides monitoring, deterrence, and response.
Lighting
Illumination used to deter crime, reduce hiding spots, and improve surveillance effectiveness.
Sensor
A device that detects and responds to changes or stimuli in the environment.
Infrared Sensor
Detects changes in infrared radiation emitted by warm objects such as humans or animals.
Pressure Sensor
Activates when a specified minimum weight is applied to a surface.
Microwave Sensor
Detects motion by emitting microwave pulses and measuring their reflection.
Ultrasonic Sensor
Measures movement by detecting reflections of ultrasonic sound waves.
Visual Obstruction
Blocking a camera’s line of sight using objects or substances.
Blinding Sensor/Camera
Overwhelming a sensor or camera with bright light to temporarily disable it.
Acoustic Interference
Using sound or noise to disrupt microphones or audio surveillance systems.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Jamming signals that surveillance systems rely on to operate.
Access Control Vestibule (Mantrap)
A double-door system that allows only one door to open at a time to prevent unauthorized entry.
Piggybacking
When an authorized person intentionally allows an unauthorized person to enter a secure area.
