Physical security's main objective is to protect the assets and facilities of the organization. So the foremost responsibility of physical security is to safeguard employees since they are an important asset to the company. Their safety is the first priority followed by securing the facilities.
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- deter potential intruders (e.g. warning signs, security lighting and perimeter markings);
- detect intrusions and monitor/record intruders (e.g. intruder alarms and CCTV systems); and
- trigger appropriate incident responses (e.g. by security guards and police).
It is up to security designers, architects and analysts to balance security controls against risks, taking into account the costs of specifying, developing, testing, implementing, using, managing, monitoring and maintaining the controls, along with broader issues such as aesthetics, human rights, health and safety, and societal norms or conventions. Physical access security measures that are appropriate for a high security prison or a military site may be inappropriate in an office, a home or a vehicle, although the principles are similar.
Physical security describes security measures that are designed to deny unauthorized access to facilities, equipment and resources and to protect personnel and property from damage or harm (such as espionage, theft, or terrorist attacks).[1]Physical security involves the use of multiple layers of interdependent systems that can include CCTV surveillance, security guards, protective barriers, locks, access control, perimeter intrusion detection, deterrent systems, fire protection, and other systems designed to protect persons and property.
