83-05-10.1 Physical Access Control

Access control devices and systems comprise an important part of every security system. Even the simplest single-door access control system includes at least an electric strike to automatically unlock the door, a timer to make sure that the door does not stay open all day, and a bell or light to indicate when the door is opened or that it has not reclosed properly. In a large-scale security system there may be intrusion alarms, exit alarms, closed-circuit surveillance, guards and patrols, physical barriers and turnstiles, and a variety of other devices and systems. The combined advantages of these elements constitute an effective physical security system. Various access control systems and devices are now available whose combined advantages constitute an effective physical security system. This article discusses these systems and devices and assists the data security administrator in determining the expenditure required to address the company's level of risk.