Access Control Design

Propose a design utilizing access control elements (e.g., CCTV, intrusion detection systems, lighting, perimeter barriers, and biometrics, etc…) in order to provide protection of a facility from exterior entry to critical asset storage/rooms.
When selecting countermeasures, you will state why and how it will complement other countermeasures chosen for your design. You will identify:
• Countermeasures selected, to include why,
• Infrastructure type chosen
• Head end or control center equipment selected
• Protective measures for your system.

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Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

Facility Type: A medium-sized research and development facility 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 & Delay): 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 delay is crucial, allowing time for other systems to react.
  • Countermeasure 2: Perimeter Lighting (Deterrence & Surveillance Enhancement): Bright, strategically placed LED floodlights with motion sensors illuminate the perimeter, deterring intruders and enhancing the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance. Lighting complements the fence by making breaches more visible

 

 

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

 

  • Countermeasure 3: CCTV Surveillance (Detection & Recording): 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 forensic evidence. The cameras are integrated with the control center for centralized monitoring. This complements the lighting by providing visual verification of any intrusion attempts.
  • Countermeasure 4: Ground-based Radar (Early Warning): For larger perimeters, ground-based radar can detect movement before an intruder reaches the fence, providing an early warning and additional time to respond. This acts as a proactive layer, detecting threats before they become immediate.

II. Building Access Control:

  • Countermeasure 5: Access Control System (ACS) with Card Readers (Authentication & Authorization): 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 6: Turnstiles (Physical Barrier & Controlled Entry): For high-traffic entrances, turnstiles can be integrated with the ACS to further control and monitor entry. They provide a physical barrier, allowing passage only after a valid card swipe, complementing the card reader by adding a physical layer of control.
  • Countermeasure 7: Intrusion Detection System (IDS) (Detection & Alarm): 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 acts as a backup to the ACS, detecting breaches even if access cards are stolen or misused.

III. Critical Asset Storage Area Security:

  • Countermeasure 8: Biometric Access Control (Enhanced Authentication): 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, ensuring only authorized personnel with specific biometric credentials can access the area.
  • Countermeasure 9: Vault/Strong Room (Physical Barrier & Delay): 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 formidable physical barrier against unauthorized access, even if other layers are breached. The delay it creates is crucial.
  • Countermeasure 10: CCTV Surveillance (Internal) (Monitoring & Recording): 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 and real-time monitoring.
  • Countermeasure 11: Two-Person Rule (Procedural Control): Access to the vault requires two authorized personnel to be present simultaneously, further reducing the risk of insider threats. This procedural control reinforces the technical controls.
  • Countermeasure 12: Environmental Monitoring (Asset Protection): 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, archival storage conditions).

IV. Control Center Equipment:

  • Central Monitoring Station: A dedicated, physically secured 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
    • Ground-based radar monitoring console
    • Environmental monitoring system console
  • Communication System: A reliable, encrypted communication system (e.g., radio, intercom, secure network) 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. Network segmentation isolates security systems from the general network.
  • 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, power supplies) 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, communication systems, and backup power.
  • Personnel Training: Security personnel are thoroughly trained on how to operate the system, respond to incidents, and follow security protocols. They are also trained in cybersecurity awareness.

This layered security design combines physical barriers, electronic surveillance, access control systems, procedural controls, and trained personnel to provide comprehensive protection for the facility and its critical assets. Each countermeasure is chosen to complement the others, creating a robust defense against potential threats. The system is designed with redundancy and cybersecurity in mind, and regular maintenance ensures its continued effectiveness.

 

 

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