Today we are going to start auditing the security at your residential estate.
Security estates face many risks. Many people move to gated communities for their security – unaware that the very concentration of homes, cars and people, create an attractive target for criminals.
Estate managers need to constantly monitor and update security measures.
We tackle some of more serious risks in the following material.
PERIMETER SECURITY
The highest ranked risk is a breach of your perimeter. The perimeter includes your entrance and exit gates. The first thing we are going to examine is what sort of access control you have at the main gates and any other secondary gates. The current trend is for criminals to pose as officials or utility workers – using disguises, fake documents, and fake branded vehicles. Once they have the guards in a vulnerable position, they will overpower them and restrain them.
ACCESS CONTROL: MAIN AND SECONDARY GATES
Does the access control system protect against tailgating and piggybacking? Is it susceptible to exploiting codes or fobs through social engineering, shoulder surfing. Theft and technology like jammers and hacking?
In order to combat these risks, you need remote monitored video surveillance. Not necessarily off-site. You could have a guard stationed away from the entrance who is monitoring the video surveillance system. The second part of your defense is a token system. Residents are expected to issue access tokens to anyone visiting the estate. No-one should be granted access without a token. In this way you are assured that the visitor has a legitimate reason for entry.
So that’s what we are looking for, a robust access control system that meets modern risks.
FENCING AND INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEMS
Now we turn to the perimeter – since this forms part of the highest risk potential. What kind of perimeter fencing do you have? Is it a solid wall that conceals the activity of criminals? Is it made of a material that criminals can easily break through, or pry apart? Does the electric fence – if installed, protect the entire fence – or does it simply sit atop a fence or wall of weak material, that can be broken through. Is the fence alarmed, and monitored? Is the perimeter well lit? Is the fence or wall properly maintained? Are there any unguarded access points along the perimeter? Are there any natural features like waterways, drainage ditches or dense vegetation that allow an intruder to bypass security systems?
It is critical in the modern era, that estates deploy AI powered video surveillance on their perimeters. These systems employ algorithms to detect intruders crossing lines or regions of interest. More importantly though – is anyone monitoring the surveillance system? What is the response when an alert is received?
WIRELESS SECURITY VULNERABILITIES
Many estates have turned to wireless video surveillance along their perimeter. These systems are easily overpowered with cheap signal jamming devices. The best solution is always Ethernet or fibre cabling. Then we check to see how many hops your wireless transmission is making. Many estates have radio after radio back-to-back along the perimeter. The latency within these systems is such that criminals will have crossed the perimeter and be out of sight before the signal reaches your control room.
Is the perimeter security infrastructure protected against power outages by a backup system?
INSIDER THEFT AND CRIME
The next threat on the list is that created by insiders. Residents and staff – including guards. They legitimately gain access and then exploit weaknesses within the estate. They could enter unoccupied homes or buildings through unsecured access points. Or they may tamper with security devices.
Questions we ask will focus on the robustness of your background checks performed on staff and contractors. The presence of access control systems for internal doors and gates. Whether you conduct awareness training with residents, and conduct physical security audits within the estate. Is there regular engagement with residents discussing security at the estate. Do we find any homes with easily accessible windows and doors? Poor lighting in common areas? Is there a neighborhood watch program, and is it supported by residents? Are common areas monitored by video surveillance?
INFORMATION AND CYBER SECURITY
Next on the list is information Security Breach. Criminals can find information on residents and staff very useful. They can use that information for identity theft, targeted scams, planning targeted break-ins, getting access to restricted areas, disabling security systems, spreading misinformation or causing chaos, data ransom and more.
Our questions are going to focus on the IT systems you have deployed. Have the latest updates and security patches been applied? Is there an established password strength and renewal policy in place? Do systems use modern encryption techniques? Are systems susceptible to jamming? Is access to physical and electronic information systems controlled? Do you engage and educate the community on cyber security risks and protections?
UAV INTRUSIONS
Something that is cropping up more frequently now, and that estates are less prepared for, is intrusion by drones. Drones are used for privacy violations, gathering information, planning and executing intrusions. We will be checking on the awareness levels with security personnel and residents. Are there procedures in place for responding to UAV sightings? What are the counter-drone measures in place?
Counter-drone measures include detection and disruption systems , protocols for reporting and responding to UAV sightings , and education awareness programs.
This is obviously not an exhaustive list of risks. I have just focussed on the current highly ranked risks. I will expand on the subject in future posts.
Contact Gensix Technology service@gensixtech.co.za for questions or security assessments to secure the safety of your estate and residents.
