Physical Security Defense by Design: 10 things you should be doing today!

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By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

With a tremendous focus on Cybersecurity right now, many organizations are investing substantial resources in protecting their digital assets from online threats. However, amidst the ever-evolving landscape of security risks, the significance of physical security and it’s role in a holistic approach to protecting people property and possessions should not be underestimated.

A robust physical security plan, employing the principle of defense by design, can fortify businesses against a myriad of threats, ranging from cybersecurity threats, theft and vandalism to unauthorized access and violence in the workplace. In this blog, we’ll explore how businesses can see substantial benefits by implementing a proper physical security plan centered around defense by design.

Understanding Defense by Design

Defense by DesignDefense by design is a proactive approach to security that involves integrating security measures into the design and architecture of a physical space from the very beginning. Rather than treating security as an afterthought, it becomes an integral part of the overall design process. This approach aims to create layers of security that deter, delay, and ultimately thwart potential threats, providing businesses with a comprehensive defense strategy.

One of the primary benefits of adopting defense by design principles in physical security planning is the enhanced protection it offers against various threats. By strategically incorporating barriers, access controls, surveillance systems, and other security features into the layout of a facility, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access, theft, or vandalism.

For instance, installing perimeter fencing, access gates with electronic locks, and surveillance cameras can create a formidable first line of defense against intruders. Additionally, implementing measures such as biometric access controls, motion sensors, and alarm systems further reinforce security layers, making it increasingly difficult for unauthorized individuals to breach the premises undetected.

Mitigation of Risks and Liabilities

Effective physical security not only safeguards assets but also helps mitigate risks and liabilities associated with security breaches. Businesses operating in industries handling sensitive information, valuable assets, or high-risk materials are particularly vulnerable to potential threats. A robust physical security plan reduces the likelihood of security incidents, thereby minimizing the risk of theft, property damage, or regulatory non-compliance.

Moreover, in the event of a security breach, having comprehensive security measures in place can demonstrate due diligence on the part of the business, potentially mitigating legal liabilities and financial losses. By investing in defense by design, businesses not only protect their assets but also safeguard their reputation and maintain trust with stakeholders.

Safeguarding Personnel and Assets

In addition to protecting physical assets, a well-executed physical security plan prioritizes the safety and well-being of personnel. Employees are vital assets to any business, and ensuring their safety within the workplace is paramount. By implementing measures such as access control systems, emergency response protocols, and secure areas for sensitive operations, businesses create a secure environment that fosters employee confidence and productivity.

Furthermore, defense by design principles extend beyond the protection of physical assets to safeguarding intellectual property and confidential information. Secure storage facilities, restricted access areas, and surveillance systems help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, reducing the risk of intellectual property theft or corporate espionage.

Cost-Efficiency and Long-Term Sustainability

While implementing a comprehensive physical security plan requires an initial investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. By proactively addressing security vulnerabilities through defense by design, businesses can minimize the need for reactive security measures and costly incident response procedures.

Moreover, the deterrent effect of visible security measures can dissuade potential threats, reducing the likelihood of security incidents and associated expenses. Over time, the cost savings achieved through enhanced security and risk mitigation contribute to the long-term sustainability and profitability of the business.

At Kenton Brothers Systems for Security we work with organizations with a wide range of needs for physical Security. We have specific recommendations on how to implement a proper physical Security Plan that incorporates a holistic approach to our customer’s needs.

The following is a top 10 list of ways to get started:

1. Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment of your premises and operations. Identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities, considering factors such as location, industry, and business assets. This assessment forms the foundation for developing an effective physical security plan tailored to your specific needs. We offer this service free of charge to help support the communities we serve.

2. Define Clear Security Objectives

Establish clear security objectives aligned with your business goals and risk assessment findings. Determine what assets and areas require protection, whether it’s sensitive data, equipment, or personnel. Clearly defined objectives provide a roadmap for designing and implementing targeted security measures.  This can be overwhelming at first, Kenton Brothers can help guide you through this process.

3. Design Secure Perimeter Barriers

Create a secure perimeter around your facility using physical barriers such as fencing, walls, locked perimeter doors or bollards. Choose materials and designs that deter unauthorized access and provide visibility for surveillance. Incorporate access control points with electronic locks and gates to regulate entry and exit.  The idea here is to extend your threat detection perimeter as much as possible to allow more time to bring resources to bear on the threat.

4. Implement Access Control Systems

Deploy access control systems to manage and monitor entry points throughout your facility. Utilize technologies such as key cards, biometric scanners, or PIN codes to authenticate individuals and restrict access to authorized personnel only. Integrate access control systems with surveillance cameras and alarms for enhanced security.

5. Install Surveillance Cameras and Monitoring Systems

Strategically place surveillance cameras and monitoring systems to provide comprehensive coverage of your premises. Install cameras in key areas such as entry points, parking lots, and critical infrastructure to deter theft, vandalism, and unauthorized activities. Ensure proper lighting and resolution for clear video footage.

6. Establish Secure Entry and Exit Procedures

Develop secure entry and exit procedures to control the flow of personnel and visitors. Implement protocols for visitor management, including check-in processes and temporary access badges. Train employees on security procedures and reinforce the importance of vigilance in identifying and reporting suspicious behavior.

7. Harden Physical Infrastructure

Strengthen physical infrastructure by reinforcing doors, windows, and other potential entry points. Use tamper-resistant locks, security bars, and shatter-resistant glass to deter break-ins and unauthorized access. Consider implementing intrusion detection systems to alert security personnel of attempted breaches.

8. Create Secure Areas for Sensitive Operations

Designate secure areas within your facility for sensitive operations, data storage, or high-value assets. Restrict access to these areas using additional layers of security such as biometric authentication or keypad entry. Implement measures to prevent unauthorized tampering or theft of sensitive materials.  Concentric circles of tighter and tighter security help organizations keep their people and assets secure.

9. Develop Emergency Response Plans

Develop comprehensive emergency response plans to address various security scenarios, including intrusions, natural disasters, or workplace violence. Conduct regular drills and training exercises to ensure employees are prepared to respond effectively to emergencies. Establish communication protocols and evacuation procedures to minimize risks to personnel and assets.  There is no better resource than a well-trained team member that knows what to look for and how to react in a threating situation.

10. Regularly Evaluate and Update Security Measures

Stay informed about emerging security technologies and best practices to enhance your defense by design approach.  Continuously evaluate and update your physical security measures to adapt to evolving threats and vulnerabilities. Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. This is a critical piece of defense by design. Stay vigilant in your efforts. There are many stories of the convenience of a propped door and how it led to tragedy.

By following these ten specific steps, businesses can effectively incorporate physical security measures based on defense by design principles, creating safer environments for their People, property and possessions.

Still can’t get started? Give Kenton Brothers Systems for Security a call today to help.

Commercial vs. Residential: Not All Door Hardware is Made the Same

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By Ryan Kaullen, Field Services Manager at Kenton Brothers

One of the biggest requirements that our clients have is their employee and customer safety. This goes hand in hand with the door hardware that is being used. I am going to compare two things in this article; Commercial Grade Hardware vs Residential Grade Hardware and Grade 1 Hardware vs Grade 2 Hardware. All have their proper applications and it’s important to understand when and where they should be used.

Commercial Grade Hardware vs. Residential Grade Hardware

Commercial vs. Residential: Not All Door Hardware is Made the SameCommercial grade hardware is built to withstand areas with higher amounts of traffic than residential buildings require. Essentially what you put on your home isn’t the same as what goes on the front door of a highly used commercial space. Along with commercial hardware being heavier duty,  most commercial buildings have specific requirements when it comes to meeting certain specifications such as UL Listings, ADA compliance, or other life safety conditions.

Residential hardware is made for homes where they won’t get as much wear and tear. Some businesses have used residential hardware in their spaces, but this causes several issues.

1) Warranties by the manufacturer of the residential hardware can be voided because it’s installed in a commercial space.
2) They won’t hold up and will need to be replaced frequently.
3) They don’t meet the life safety requirements of many commercial buildings.

Installing the correct hardware on commercial buildings is incredibly important. The hardware lasts longer, helps with safety and security, and keeps you in compliance.

Grade 1 Lock Grade 2 Lock

Grade 1 Hardware vs. Grade 2 Hardware

When you dig deeper into commercial grade hardware, there are two levels you really want to look at: Grade 1 and Grade 2.

Grade 1 hardware not only meets building requirements for commercial spaces, but it also provides a higher level of security, withstands heavy usage and helps guard against vandalism. Grade 1 hardware can be used anywhere but on exterior openings. They can also be used in doors that protect rooms containing items of high value like IT closets.

Grade 2 door hardware meets light commercial requirements and is a level above residential door hardware. These locks are great for offices, closets and other applications that don’t require heavy usage. Grade 2 hardware is more economical compared to Grade 1, but will last longer than residential hardware.

When selecting the grade of hardware for your facility, your choices may vary from door to door. The type of usage and other factors play into these decisions. It is extremely important to understand where the different grades make good choices. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kenton Brothers so we can help with your facility needs!

Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue.

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By Neal Bellamy, IT Director at Kenton Brothers

Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue.In a lot of ways, the requirements to install a commercial security camera are usually pretty easy to accomodate. 90% of the time we need just one wire that is smaller than your pinky finger. We can install that wire inside, outside, in conduit, or even stretch it between poles. We used to have limits on how far away a camera could be installed, but with new wire technologies and PoE extenders (Power over Ethernet), distance is rarely an issue. However, there are still times when you just can’t get a wire to where you want to install a camera.

The next best option is to at least have a power source. With a constant power source, we can at least power the camera and hopefully connect it to a wireless or fiber network to get the signal back to a base station. Kenton Brothers has installed numerous cameras where the only resource we had was power. Entire city blocks are blanketed with a wireless network for this type of security situation.

But what is the solution when you have to have a camera, but don’t have power and can’t get a wire there?

Solar Power

Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue.Solar power is not a new thing. It’s been around for decades. The hard part about solar is not the technology or the calculations, the hard part about solar is deploying it. Solar panels work by charging a bank of batteries when the sun is out and then using the batteries to power equipment when it’s dark.

First, of course, is knowing the load that will be running on the circuit. Second, is knowing which solar zone you’re in. (This is a measurement of how much sun you can expect in the area you will be deploying solar.) Last is knowing how long you need to be able to tolerate not having any sunlight. Based on all of that information, you or your solar system provider can determine how big the solar panels will need to be and how many will be needed to support periods of time without sunlight.

Solar Kits

A solar kit comes with solar panels, a solar controller, and batteries. What isn’t commonly thought of is the size of the panels and the weight of the batteries. For a recent project at a lake, our single 300-watt panel was about 3′ by 5′. This large surface area acts like a sail in the wind . If installed on a pole (the most likely type of installation) you have to account for the wind when specifying the size and strength of the pole. Likewise, the batteries that were needed for this installation weighed almost 120 pounds!

Using solar panels on poles provides a way to install cameras where there is no wire and no power. The solar panels can support the power requirements of the camera(s) as well as communication equipment like point to point or wireless. (It would also be possible to record locally to the camera or a weather hardened server, but a bit more challenging to get to that data.)

As you can see in these project pictures, the end result is a sturdy, self contained, solar powered security camera with a wireless data connection. And it’s high enough off the ground to avoid tampering.

If you have a unique situation where you aren’t sure how to get power and connectivity to a camera, give us a call. We will have the products and techniques to solve your problem!

Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue. Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue.

Place of Worship Security: The Basics

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By Mike Krohn, Project Manager at Kenton Brothers

Place of Worship Security: The BasicsWhere do you feel safe? Home? Work? In your car?

What about church? Do you feel safe in your place of worship? You should, right? After all, the church goes out of its way to create an inviting, warm, open-arms atmosphere to attract as many people as possible to worship and hear the Word. Whether you live in the big city, or a smaller community (as I do); attend a mega church with its own coffee shop or attend a burgeoning church in a rented building or school, we all want to relax and feel our place of worship is safe and secure.

Let’s face it, we live in an ever changing, constantly evolving world, which moves faster every single day. What were once hard-line standards and accepted practices are now being reimagined to accommodate current ideas and interpretations. Nothing is exempt from this, not even religion or the church. Sometimes, change and evolution are a good thing. But often, growth and change are painful and difficult to accept. This can lead to feelings of rejection, animosity, and unfortunately, even sometimes violence.

This year, my church will hold a global general conference and will be discussing some very controversial, if not popular topics. The way we worship may have to change. Many denominations are experiencing these same challenges. Many of us will adopt new opinions and attitudes and accept these changes. However, many people may view this as a slight to deeply engrained feelings about how they were raised in the church.

As a former law enforcement officer, security professional and facility director, I have worn many of the hats assigned to these issues. The energy behind our faith is strong and so are the feelings about how it should change. I’m fond of saying that where there is passion, there is energy; good or bad. In the case of a church where dozens or thousands of people will be gathered at any one time, this causes us to think more seriously about security at our houses of worship.

A Team Effort

The decision to increase security infrastructure and/or to have a security team or safety team is a complex effort, not to be entered into lightly or without the prerequisite foundational concepts being discussed. Again, this may change some well-established customs at your place of worship.

Physical infrastructure improvements rarely raise too many eyebrows, and the use of cameras, alarms, access control and projectile film have all become affordable, and often come with insurance benefits and discounts. As I said previously, while going from no security to physical site improvements and a safety team can be complex, we can and should make every effort to keep the team creation and operation as simple as possible.

Questions that need answers.

Place of Worship Security: The BasicsIs the congregation and board willing to make these changes?
Do they agree there is a need?
Are there people in the building willing to take on the responsibility?

 -OR-

Are we going to hire out law enforcement/security professionals to keep us safe?
Do we have the infrastructure and equipment needed to create and equip this team?
What will this look like to the community? To the congregation?

Let us dive in and assume the idea of a safety team has been raised at your place of worship.

Q1. What comes first?

A1. A security assessment! This can be done by local law enforcementpublic safety staff, by an insurance company, or by a private security integration company (I am partial to Kenton Brothers Systems for Security!)

The assessment will go over items such as are exits clearly marked, how many points of entry to the church are there? Are there areas where people can be secured in the event of an incident/weather calamity etc? Where is the church located in the community? What is the crime rate in the local area? Where will people park and walk towards the building? How many people will be in the building at one time? Are there stairs, elevators etc.?

Q2. What equipment, if any, do we need?

A2.  Communication tools! Two-way radios are almost a necessity. Flashlights, vests or identification badges are a solid idea to make these people readily identifiable when the need arises.

Q3. What operational changes are needed at our facility or building?

A3. Without being on your particular site, this is a more difficult question to answer, but common concerns range from creating traffic flow and parking lot designations with guided attendants, to limiting entry through certain doors at certain times. A general rule is one designated point of entry with attendants after services begin, or just prior. The remainder of all doors should be secured.

Q4. How do we prepare for an actual incident?

A4. Define the roles each member will have. DONT ASSUME ANYTHING! Practice! The teams should all know each other’s roles, and practice actual incident response from various approaches. Again, work to make these simple and realistic. Plans should be inclusive of every age group, from children to the elderly, and all levels of mobility from ambulatory to those who need assistance or wheelchairs.

Involving your local emergency responders is always a great idea. Invite them to tour the facility, see your video systems, doors and safety plans. Invite them to do an assessment, (sometimes they simply cannot for liability reasons) or just seek their input on your first or next training day. As a former SWAT commander, I can tell you, we were ALWAYS looking for places to train! WIN-WIN!

Finally, please remember this is NOT a comprehensive list or manual. These are just some thoughts to get the conversations going. Please seek out the professionals in your area, do the research, and work through this with the idea that the process will have a natural evolution as the church and community changes with the world around it.

If you’re interested in reference materials, they are out there!

There are so many great articles and books. I recommend:

“Evil invades Sanctuary – The Case for Security in Faith-Based Organizations” by Carl Chinn
“Defending the Flock – A security guide for church safety directors” by Kris Maloney

CISA.gov has a suite of resources for faith based organizations also. “The Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities”. The first in a series of impending related documents geared toward industry partners—are a set of physical security practices that houses of worship and related facilities can use to reduce security risks to their congregations. You can find them here.

Please stay safe, be well and and if we can help, please call us at Kenton Brothers Systems for Security!

ISC WEST Update: Axis Communications shows off new advancements!

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By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

Axis Communications set the bar high at ISC West this year with a robust offerings of product advancements. Axis walked away with a lot of hardware from this year’s conference. We will delve into the new features and uses of three remarkable Axis Communication devices and their advancements: the AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera, AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera and the intelligent AXIS D2210-VE Radar. From advanced video surveillance to innovative radar technology, these devices are advancing the way we approach security.

AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera:

The AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera is a powerhouse of surveillance technology. Combining sharp video and two-way audio with actionable analytics, this all-in-one device helps improve safety, security, and operational efficiency. It offers a great solution for remote monitoring and communication while safeguarding privacy. Designed from the ground up for use in healthcare the Q9307 is much more than a camera, it’s an all in one platform designed with efficiency in mind.

Check it out in action here:

All-in-one audio-visual monitoring device

  • https://kentonbrothers.com/conferences/isc-west-update-axis-communications-shows-off-new-advancements/5 MP video with two-way audio.
  • Preinstalled audio and video analytics.
  • Remote monitoring while safeguarding privacy.
  • Withstands chemical wipe-downs.
  • Cost-efficient all-in-one device.
  • 4K Sensor: Delivers high-resolution video footage with exceptional detail.
  • Advanced Image Processing: Ensures clear and crisp images, even in low-light conditions.
  • IR Illuminators: Provides visibility in complete darkness for round-the-clock monitoring.
  • Remote Zoom and Focus: Offers flexibility in installation options for various mounting positions.
  • Support for Analytics: Enables advanced features such as motion detection and audio detection for proactive security measures.
  • Versatile Installation: Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, adaptable to different environments.
  • 5 year warranty.

AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera: Protecting a variety of staff members in real time

Wearable cameras deter bad behavior and positively influence the public and camera wearers alike. Axis W110 Body Worn Camera brings these benefits to the workplace for sectors like retail, healthcare, transportation, and more.

AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera makes employees feel like they’re not alone. It deters violence and false accusations and contributes to a sense of well-being in the workplace. An indicator light and voice message on activation let people know it’s recording. It’s compatible with Body Worn Live for live streaming. It captures reliable forensic evidence and documents compliance thanks to sharp images and voice-enhanced audio-in. Plus, nearby wearables can be activated automatically when one person turns on their wearable camera. That – together with pre-buffering of up to 90 seconds – helps you capture all of what really happened from multiple angles.

https://kentonbrothers.com/conferences/isc-west-update-axis-communications-shows-off-new-advancements/The AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera provides security personnel with a powerful tool for documenting incidents and enhancing situational awareness. Compact and lightweight, this body-worn camera can be easily attached to uniforms or vests, enabling hands-free operation without impeding mobility.

Equipped with high-definition video recording capabilities and a wide-angle lens, the AXIS W110 captures clear and comprehensive footage of on-the-ground situations. Its rugged design ensures durability in challenging environments, while features such as GPS tracking and Wi-Fi connectivity enhance accountability and streamline evidence management processes.

Ideal for law enforcement, security patrols, and frontline responders, the AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera empowers personnel to capture critical evidence, de-escalate volatile situations, and uphold safety and security standards with confidence.

  • Lightweight and compact (75 × 55 × 19 mm).
  • Flexible mounting options.
  • Open standards for easy integration.
  • True end-to-end encryption.
  • Signed video/firmware, secure key storage.

Check it out here:

AXIS D2210-VE Radar: Revolutionizing Perimeter Protection

https://kentonbrothers.com/conferences/isc-west-update-axis-communications-shows-off-new-advancements/The AXIS D2210-VE Radar represents a paradigm shift in perimeter protection, leveraging advanced radar technology to detect and track intrusions with unparalleled accuracy. Unlike traditional motion sensors, which are prone to false alarms triggered by environmental factors, this radar device offers reliable detection capabilities in all weather conditions and lighting environments.

With a detection range of up to 100 meters and customizable detection zones, the AXIS D2210-VE provides comprehensive coverage of large outdoor areas, such as parking lots, industrial sites, and critical infrastructure facilities. Its integration with video management systems enables seamless collaboration between radar data and visual verification, enhancing response times and reducing false alarms.

By combining radar-based detection with intelligent analytics, the AXIS D2210-VE delivers proactive perimeter protection, allowing security teams to identify potential threats early and take decisive action to mitigate risks effectively.

https://kentonbrothers.com/conferences/isc-west-update-axis-communications-shows-off-new-advancements/AXIS D2210-VE offers a 95° field of detection and can detect, classify, and track humans up to 60 m (200 feet) and vehicles up to 90 m (295 feet). And, with road monitoring profile enabled, the detection range for vehicles increases up to 150 m (492 feet). The radar also provides the exact position of the detected objects. AXIS D2210-VE can be used stand-alone for non-visual monitoring while safeguarding privacy. Or it can be used to steer a PTZ camera for visual verification. Furthermore, with smart coexistence functionality, it’s possible to combine up to eight AXIS D2210-VE radars in close proximity. And, you can even expand the installation with up to six AXIS D2110-VE radars and customize your detection area depending on your needs.

  • 60 GHz radar for area and traffic monitoring 24/7.
  • 95° coverage to detect, classify, and track objects.
  • Area and road monitoring profiles.
  • Monitor vehicle speeds up to 200 km/h (125 mph).
  • Easily connect using PoE out and edge-to-edge.
  • Compact design with integrated LED strip.

Check it out here:

Axis continues to support the changing needs of their customers worldwide.

As the security threat landscape continues to evolve, Axis Communications remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering advanced devices that empower organizations to safeguard their assets, protect their people, and mitigate risks effectively. From high-performance dome cameras to revolutionary radar technology, Axis devices are reshaping the landscape of security, providing users with the tools they need to stay one step ahead of emerging threats.

Kenton Brothers Systems for Security is a proud partner with Axis Communications. Every member of our Security Consultant team is certified by Axis to represent their line. Let us know how we can support you!