Boon Edam USA: Strengthening perimeter security 

In today’s climate of heightened security concerns, perimeter protection has become critical for organisations across all sectors, writes Amanda Powell, Marketing Manager, Boon Edam USA.

The perimeter of a facility – the outermost boundary – serves as the first line of defence against potential threats.

Whether it’s a single room, a standalone building or a multi-structure campus, the perimeter marks where security efforts must begin.

Once an intruder crosses this line, the risk of theft, damage or disruption can escalate quickly, making perimeter security a cornerstone of any comprehensive security strategy. 

In response to rising security priorities, many organisations are investing in reinforced barriers and controlled entry points to manage access.

With a well-planned approach, these perimeter security measures deter unauthorised entry and protect the facility’s people, assets and operations.

Let’s examine why perimeter security is so crucial and how proactive measures can turn it into an effective and resilient first line of defence. 

The six key risks of perimeter breaches 

Unauthorised access to a facility brings numerous risks. For a successful perimeter security strategy, organisations must address six primary areas where threats increase significantly if the perimeter is compromised: 

1. Security of personnel and visitors – one of the highest priorities is ensuring a safe environment for employees, visitors and vendors. Today, it’s challenging to balance security with a welcoming atmosphere, especially at the perimeter. While organisations often want to project openness, physical security concerns frequently require prioritising safety over convenience. Security measures like barriers, turnstiles or biometric-controlled entrances help protect everyone within the facility without compromising the welcoming environment 

2. Safety of high-risk areas – some facility areas are inherently hazardous, such as zones with machinery, construction areas or chemical storage sites. These locations also need clearly defined perimeters to prevent unauthorised individuals from accidentally or intentionally entering. Controlling access in these zones mitigates potential safety risks and reduces liability, helping organisations meet compliance standards and protect lives. 

3. Protection against theft and loss – organisations possess various valuable assets, from computers and equipment to intellectual property and sensitive data. Unauthorised access can lead to financial losses, intellectual property theft and operational disruptions. Robust perimeter security, including monitored access points, mitigates the risk of asset loss or theft, preventing unauthorised access before any damage occurs 

4. Compliance with industry regulations – compliance requirements for organisations in healthcare, finance, energy and other regulated sectors often mandate strict access control. Security protocols and controlled perimeters must adhere to HIPAA, PCI and NERC regulations. Organisations can maintain compliance, avoid costly fines and protect sensitive information by investing in secure perimeters and verifiable access solutions 

5. Ensuring business continuity – unauthorised access can disrupt business operations, sometimes significantly. Instances of workplace violence, unauthorised protests or employees sneaking in after-hours can lead to shutdowns, negative publicity and employee distress. A fortified perimeter with managed entry points helps ensure operations continue smoothly, minimising the likelihood of incidents that could disrupt workflow and impact morale 

6. Mitigating legal liability – an organisation may be liable if it fails to adequately protect its perimeter. If unauthorised access results in injury or theft, proving that appropriate security measures were in place can help the organisation avoid litigation. Effective perimeter security demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to taking proactive steps against unauthorised entry, reducing liability risks 

Embracing proactive security solutions 

Rather than waiting until an incident occurs, proactive perimeter security focuses on keeping intruders out from the start.

Traditional approaches, such as locked doors, security cameras and guards, often only act as reactive measures, especially against tailgating – when unauthorised individuals enter by following someone with credentials.  

Proactive solutions, such as advanced security entrances and biometric verification, provide a much stronger deterrent and prevent unauthorised individuals from entering the premises.

Innovations in access control technology have opened up new options for securing perimeters. Today, advanced access credentials can incorporate two-factor authentication using biometric data, such as fingerprints, to ensure only verified personnel enter.  

For example, new access cards with embedded biometric sensors enable a contactless, secure entrance experience.

When combined with compatible security portals, these technologies create a streamlined entry process without compromising on security. 

Identity as the new perimeter 

The concept of “identity as the new perimeter” highlights how advanced verification methods can serve as powerful tools for securing a facility’s boundaries.

Instead of relying solely on physical barriers, modern security strategies emphasise validating the identity of each person attempting entry.

This shift in focus from physical barriers to identity verification represents a more robust security paradigm. Several factors are driving this shift: 

• Social engineering and tailgating risks – social engineering has become a tactic for gaining unauthorised access. Individuals posing as maintenance workers or high-ranking officials can manipulate others to let them into secure areas. Identity-based access control systems equipped with biometric verification ensure that only authorised personnel can enter 

• Cost-effectiveness of technology – many organisations face budget constraints when hiring security staff. However, technology that can authenticate individuals and alert personnel of unauthorised attempts has become more affordable. Implementing systems with built-in analytics can also yield valuable business insights 

• Automated alerts for rapid response – automated access control systems streamline notifications, improving response times and minimising human error. When unauthorised access attempts are detected, the system can immediately notify security personnel, facilitating a quick and efficient response 

The final challenge 

As mentioned already, a significant vulnerability of even the most sophisticated systems is tailgating, where an unauthorised individual enters by following someone with legitimate access.

Traditional swinging doors are susceptible to this risk. To combat tailgating, organisations are turning to advanced security entrances, such as mantraps or revolving doors, which are designed to allow only one person through at a time. 

Identity verification technology, like facial recognition, adds an extra layer of defence by verifying that the person’s physical identity matches their credentials.

This dual layer of security is critical in high-security areas where unauthorised access could lead to severe repercussions. 

Achieving an impenetrable perimeter 

As organisations recognise the importance of perimeter security, they are increasingly turning to identity-based systems to ensure maximum protection.

Identity verification and proactive access control creates the most effective barrier against threats. A well-secured perimeter doesn’t just protect the facility’s assets; it safeguards the organisation’s reputation and business continuity as well as employee wellbeing. 

While perimeter security investments can be challenging to justify in tight-budget environments, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs.

By reinforcing the perimeter with robust, proactive solutions, organisations can provide a secure environment that enables their operations to thrive.