Physical Security

Physical security that matches the operational need

Stanway Hope supports organisations in considering physical security requirements alongside wider security objectives. Physical security measures should be proportionate to the assets being protected, relevant risks and the way an environment needs to operate.

In addition to the assessment and audit of physical security controls, we work with clients where new environments are needed. This can range from individual containers to Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). Where required, we can also develop Security Operating Procedures (SyOps) and supporting procedures for effective operation of the environment.

How we can help

From defining the physical security need to reviewing design, commissioning controls and leaving procedures people can run.

Physical security requirements

Define physical-security requirements appropriate to facilities, systems, information and operational needs, including new environments from individual containers to SCIFs.

Security design review

Review proposed physical security measures and how they contribute to wider security objectives, before they are committed.

Access considerations

Consider how physical access should be controlled around protected environments.

Protective measures

Support consideration of proportionate physical protection measures for the assets and risks in view.

Design integration

Help ensure physical and technical security considerations form part of a coordinated solution.

Review, commissioning and SyOps

Review arrangements against defined requirements, commission security controls, and develop SyOps so the environment can be operated effectively.

What this helps you achieve

Physical security is most effective when individual measures work together, and when the environment, the technical design and the way people use the facility support one another.

Understanding

Physical security risk in view

Greater understanding of physical-security considerations alongside the cyber and information risks that depend on the same environment.

Coordination

Physical and cyber security together

Better integration between physical and cyber security, rather than treating facilities and systems as separate problems.

Clarity

Clearer protection requirements

A clearer statement of the physical protection the environment needs, including where a new facility or SCIF is being specified.

Fit

Measures that match the need

Security measures proportionate to the environment and assets being protected, with procedures that support day-to-day operation.

Our approach

Understand what needs protecting, specify the requirement, then review and support the environment as it is delivered.

Step 1

Understand

Establish what needs protecting and the environment in which it operates.

Step 2

Specify

Define appropriate physical security requirements and specifications.

Step 3

Review

Assess proposed designs, build progress and security measures against the agreed requirement.

Step 4

Support

Provide security input through implementation and subsequent review where required, including commissioning and SyOps.

A layered approach to physical security

Physical security is most effective when individual measures work together. Access arrangements, monitoring, detection, procedures and physical protection should support a common set of security objectives.

Stanway Hope can help customers consider physical security as part of their wider security environment so that proposed measures respond to identified risks, operational requirements and the assets being protected. Security requirements can then be considered through design, implementation, commissioning and subsequent review.

People, access and physical protection

Effective protective security considers not only buildings and physical measures, but also how authorised personnel interact with protected environments, assets and information.

Where personnel-security considerations form part of a wider physical-security requirement, they can be considered alongside access arrangements, security responsibilities, operating procedures and the protection of sensitive areas. The objective is to ensure that physical measures and operational procedures work together as part of a coherent protective-security approach.

Related services

Physical environments rarely sit in isolation from the wider security architecture, or from the risk and assurance work that sits around them.

Let us talk about physical security

Whether you need an existing facility reviewed or a new environment specified, we can discuss how Stanway Hope can support the physical security work.

Talk to our team