Developing a robust physical security plan for critical infrastructure involves securing perimeters, utilizing reliable cameras, and maintaining systems to protect essential assets from threats and emergencies.
Critical infrastructure is aptly named; the resources under this umbrella power our everyday necessities and keep entire industries running smoothly. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to protect these assets against threats of any kind.
Physical security refers to the protection of all your company’s assets from physical damage or danger. These assets include everything from your network and digital information to your personnel, to the hardware and supplies used in your facility. Effective security measures should protect these precious resources from theft, loss, and intentional or unintentional damage.
Each day of our lives, we utilize some aspect of critical infrastructure. This broad term covers the buildings, roads, railways, and utility lines that fuel society and facilitate trade, transportation, electricity, and so much more.
Critical infrastructure is typically thought to be a governmental responsibility, but many infrastructure resources belong to the private sector. No matter the agency in charge, however, it’s imperative that every element of critical infrastructure be secure and protected from damage or threats, as these resources are so often the targets of vandalism, theft, accidents, etc. The physical security of critical infrastructure resources should be an integrated and multifaceted endeavor, incorporating both digital and physical safety measures.
The following are some key strategies and tips for maintaining the physical security of your critical infrastructure, so you can enjoy continuous and robust security and the peace of mind that comes with it. The strategies you choose to deploy will depend on the resources you need to secure, but all are helpful tips to get you started.
A very simple yet crucial rule of security is to maintain a strong perimeter. A secure perimeter not only includes physical barriers and trained patrols to detect and deter threats but also employs access control to ensure that only qualified personnel are gaining access to sensitive areas. When your property’s perimeter is properly secured, all other security efforts are simpler and easier to manage.
Reliable cameras are the holy grail of crime prevention for good reason. A tried-and-true standby in the world of security, high-quality cameras deter would-be offenders, capture clear and helpful footage of goings-on within their perimeters, and are equipped with analysis software that helps differentiate potential threats from benign objects.
Floodlights help to deter crime and unauthorized access, maintain the quality of camera footage, and maintain safe visibility within your property. LiveView Technologies (LVT) specializes in innovative cameras equipped with powerful floodlights that not only help to capture crime, but actively prevent it.
Additionally, choose camera systems (like those offered by LVT) that are easily integrated with cybersecurity measures. This will help safeguard your footage and other data from any tampering or unauthorized access, and will save you a massive headache when creating and maintaining your unified security approach.
You’re familiar with what they say about the “best-laid plans”—despite our best efforts to cover every base, emergencies can and do occur. Make comprehensive plans in advance that can aid in your response to disasters, security breaches, and any other emergency event to which your property may be vulnerable. Practice these plans with your team often, holding realistic drills to prepare you for the worst-case scenario and increase the safety of your personnel, assets, and facilities.
Even the most intricate and costly security regimen is worth nothing if it’s poorly maintained. Conduct frequent inspections of security equipment and systems and perform necessary repairs to ensure everything is functioning properly, bringing in professional help if needed. LiveView Technologies guarantees its products are highly durable, and delivers exceptional customer service when things need to be checked out and worked on.
If your critical infrastructure resources include utility lines or receptacles—transporting or holding water, power, or gas—ensure the security of these systems against tampering and damage with monitoring and physical barriers. Maintaining the safety and integrity of these resources protects yourself, your business, and the consumers who rely on the utilities.
Set up reliable cameras to monitor these receptacles and lines, ensure that their radii cover all relevant and vulnerable areas, and select cameras equipped with analysis software to detect and identify threats. LVT Units, for example, use smart motion detection to boost accuracy, so that a passing animal or vehicle doesn’t trigger an alert. Cameras are only reliable if they work for you, not the other way around.
Secure utilities with physical barriers. Use receptacles that meet federal and state safety standards, and set up fencing to keep out unwanted visitors.
LiveView Technologies is your trusted source for critical infrastructure security. LVT offers monitoring systems equipped to secure everything from oil and gas, to housing, to construction sites, with a wide variety of innovative features to create robust and comprehensive coverage.
LVT’s mobile surveillance units come with many powerful, customizable security features. Their continuous up-time picks up potential threats in real-time, and immediate alerts help you keep your finger on the pulse of your infrastructure’s security. LVT Units are mobile and versatile, ensuring that you cover every angle of your property. AI integration can analyze video subjects for greater accuracy, and recorded footage is saved for later review if needed. Thermal signature detection helps identify utility leaks, surveillance zones can be identified for more specific coverage, and talk-down communication allows personnel to be in two places at once. When you secure your critical infrastructure with LVT camera systems, you get to devote your energy to other security efforts while your cameras do the work for you.
The innovative systems offered by LiveView Technologies are equipped with all the features you need to ensure the security of your critical infrastructure, enjoy peace of mind, and protect your most valuable resources. Visit lvt.com to learn more.
