Locks are the most cost effective physical security control your company can invest in. However, no matter how strong the lock is, it should be viewed only as a delay to dedicated intruders. Locks can be picked or broken, and keys can be lost or duplicated. Because locks have these shortcomings they should be considered a component of the overall protection scheme that a company employs. Locks keep honest people out. But good locks can keep unwanted elements out long enough for other security mechanisms to detect the intruders. While the intruder is attempting to comprise the lock, the security camera, guard or alarm system should detect the intruder and take the appropriate action.
Locks come in all types and sizes. It is important to have the right type of lock for the right level of protection. The following is a list of lock types:
Conventional Locks
This is the traditional lock and key. These locks can be easily picked and keys can be lost or duplicated.
Pick-resistant Locks
Same characteristics as conventional locks but are more expensive as they are harder to pick.
Electronic Combination Systems
Uses a keypad and requires people to enter a pre-assigned code. This is also called a cipher or keyless lock.
Deadbolt Locks
A bolt, which is not operated by the door handle, is connected to the frame of the door.
Smart Locks
This type of lock usually requires either a card with a magnetic swipe. The access to these types of locks is managed by software. This allows employees to be given one key card and the lock administrator the ability to assign access to the lock. Also, the times of day and days of week can be assigned so it will only allow authorized individuals in though specific doors at certain times. This may require a time sensitive magnetic stripe card.
The following are some variations of smart or cipher locks to improve performance and increase security:
- Door Delay
If a door is open for a pre-determined period of time, an alarm will sound alerting security personnel of possible suspicious activity. - Key Override
A supervisor combination can be programmed to be used in an emergency situation or when an override is required. - Master Keying
This option enables supervisory personnel to change access codes and other features of the cipher lock. - Duress Alarm
If an employee is in duress, there can be a combination they can enter to alert the building guards and/or proper authorities.
Don’t get me wrong, locks are a very important component to any security scheme. Just remember the greater the need to keep the people out, the better the lock you will need to buy. Combine your locks with other security controls that will delay the intruder until they can detect the intruder.
