Physical Security Paper
Security, the word carries different meanings depending on the context in which it is used but ultimately it always falls back to a sense of protection. Security can come in a variety forms but the one most notable would be physical security. Physical security refers to those tangible objects that can prevent or deter an adversary. Security is considered the backbone of any business or organization when the question of concern regarding protection is being looked upon. While physical security may appear to be simple, it actually follows a set of core concepts that helps to develop, build, and make it an effective approach to security. Physical security would not be complete without the use of a security assessment. If there is no known threat or risk then the need for security is not there which means it is the best decision to perform a security assessment to check for areas of vulnerability. Physical security also encompasses some basic physical controls that should be noted and taken into account.
Core Concepts of Physical Security
Before breaking into the core concepts of physical security, it only seems appropriate to determine exactly what physical security is. An effective physical protection system integrates people, equipment, and procedures for the protection of assets or facilities against theft, sabotage, or other malevolent human attacks (Rico & Beasley, 2006). Physical security is aimed at preventing any type of physical harm from coming to people, property, or assets of any kind. A key concept of physical security is to remember that it revolves around involving something or someone in the detection and prevention of any unwanted or unauthorized intrusions. Physical security is used to protect any areas of weakness or vulnerabilities a business may have. Another key concept of physical security is to create barriers or obstacles to protect assets, people, or the environment of the business. Physical Security can protect all business assets from intrusion and detect any threats (University of Phoenix, 2008). This statement reflects the core concept that no matter whether an event is an accidental or intentional, physical security can be used to find a solution to protect the business from such events or occurrences. Physical security is a tool that can be molded and shaped to fit the need of any organization or business. The core concepts of physical security in short are all about the protection and detection of any unauthorized intrusions whether they are intentional or accidental. Physical security is a visible deterrent for any would be intruder that when properly executed has the potential to prevent an attack before it is even attempted. Detection, delay, response, these are the three key functions of an effective physical security system.
Security Assessments
Security assessments are an important aspect of the security world and without them security could prove to be a waste of time and resources. Security assessments are used to assess the various weaknesses in security. These weaknesses are used to conduct research and develop ways to change the various controls in order to eliminate the weakness. An interesting concept of the security assessment is that it can be applied to any and all matters within the organization. This applies to security measures in place, employees, and even management. Security assessments are used to decrease crime rates while increasing the overall ability of the security system to protect against crime. This protection applies to crimes both before and after they occur. Security assessments have been known to also increase the working relationship between employees and employers. The reason behind this refers to the involvement between the two in working towards change. It is important to note that in order to truly make cost–benefit decisions, the system effectiveness and associated risk of the current, or baseline system, must be known (Garcia, 2008). Security assessments mean very little if they cannot provide information on how to improve the security system, if the changes in place warrant the cost, and if the changes actually made a decrease in risk. The security assessment is an ongoing process that should occur more than once and any changes made should be tested to ensure they accomplish the task of eliminating the vulnerability that was detected. A security assessment is vital to help an organization make the best decisions on how to improve their current security system ranging from what areas to improve to those that could potentially use a little less focus then what was originally placed upon them.
Basic Physical Controls
Basic physical controls are a direct reference to the physical controls used in regards to security purposes. These physical controls can be access controls, restrictions, updating, back-ups, response, or even monitoring. An organization or business usually implements basic physical controls in an effort to protect assets from threats. The use of physical controls allows for a degree of control over not only external but internal threats to assets. Through the use of physical controls, the ability to gain access to assets or certain areas can be restricted or prevented. Physical controls can be very simple or complex in design and use. A door with a lock is an example of a basic physical control. A more complex physical control would be a retina scanner or finger print scanner. Physical controls work to add an extra level of protection that must be cleared or bypassed before access can be achieved. Physical controls can be used to control what areas are accessible, or even if multiple steps must be taken before access can be granted. Physical controls can also come in the form of policies or procedures. Policies and procedures are written most often in a handbook or paper. The policies and procedures act a form of physical control since they provide written directions on what is acceptable, expected, and the consequences of not following the set guides. This is a perfect example of the type of job that physical controls are intended to do.
Conclusion
Security may come in a variety of forms but physical security will always stand apart from the rest. Physical security revolves around the tangible objects that can be seen or touched. Physical security is aimed at preventing, restricting, or controlling the access that is granted to areas or assets. Physical security is made more effective through the use of a security assessment. The security assessment is used to determine any weaknesses or vulnerabilities within the security system. After the assessment has been performed it becomes easier to see where improvements are needed and if any changes made warrant the cost they come with. Basic physical controls enhance physical security by adding an additional layer of protection and adding to the delay factor.

Reference
Garcia, M. L. (2008). The design and evaluation of physical protection systems (2nd ed.) Boston, MA: Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann
Rico, G. & Beasley, J.S. (2006). Physical Protection Systems: Concepts, Analysis, and Practice in the ET Classroom Retrieved from spacegrant.nmsu.edu/NMU/2006/rico.pdf
University of Phoenix. (2008). Design and Evaluation of Physical Protection Systems. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, SEC410 website.