What does perimeter security mean?

So often an afterthought compared to access control or CCTV, the perimeter security market is set for years of strong growth as governments prioritise counter-terror and reductions in illegal immigration.

IFSEC Global delivers an overview of the perimeter security/perimeter protection markets.

What does perimeter security mean?

Physical perimeter security can be defined as systems and technologies that protect people and assets within a facility and its grounds by blocking unauthorised physical intrusions across the perimeter.

Myriad defence ‘layers’ should be equipped to protect the boundary and should comprise: the holistic site and property perimeter, eg the fence line; the inner territory perimeter, eg specific buildings or key infrastructure; the building façade perimeter, ie the external building shell; and the internal perimeter, eg internal space where restricted access is necessary. Each layer should help delay, deter and detect intrusion.

Over the past decade, advances in technology have helped increase the scope of perimeter security systems. Historically used to prevent and detect intrusions in military facilities, critical infrastructure, and other high-risk sites, perimeter security solutions are now being used in areas such as commercial and residential sites, retail spaces, transportation sites, and many other urban and remote locations.

Perimeter security can include video detection, intrusion detection, access control, security fencing and gates, and barriers and bollards. The type of systems and technologies deployed will depend on the likely intrusion risks, which can range from vandalism and protests from activists, to criminal theft, espionage and, at worst, terrorism.

While there has been huge investment in CCTV and electronic security systems, physical perimeter security hasn’t always received the same attention. This is beginning to change