FiberPatrol Applications to Critical Infrastructure Protection: Electric Utilities
Spurred by this and other initiatives and the ensuing self-regulation effort, the electricity sector is in the process of rapidly ramping up its security capabilities. A significant part of this effort has been directed at upgrading physical security of the industry’s numerous and diverse facilities and assets.
Optellios helps utility operators secure their facilities with state-of-the-art FiberPatrol intrusion detection systems, multi-site alarm management, security integration, and communication solutions. Optellios has extensive experience providing perimeter security systems and integrated security solutions to electric utilities. FiberPatrol perimeter intrusion detection systems are installed at power plants, substations, and switchyards across the United States and internationally. Several integrated multi-site FiberPatrol security systems are in operation protecting dozens of facilities owned by major electrical utility companies.
Security Regulations for the Electricity Sector
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is designated by the Department of Energy to coordinate critical infrastructure protection activities within the electricity sector. NERC has issued a number of advisory security standards for electrical utilities, including two guidelines pertaining to physical security of their facilities, namely:
Security Guidelines for the Electricity Sector: Physical Security (June 2002, updated in May 2007)
Security Guidelines for the Electricity Sector: Physical Security – Substations (July 2004)
From NERC Physical Security Guideline
Each entity should implement physical security measures … to safeguard personnel and prevent unauthorized access to critical assets, control systems, equipment, and information
When designing, implementing, or auditing a physical security program, organizations should consider the following:
- Fencing, gates, or other barriers to restrict access to the facility
- Perimeter or area alarm systems to monitor unauthorized intrusion into a facility’s outer perimeter barrier
- Recorded closed circuit television systems (CCTV) that can provide local and/or remote surveillance capability of a protected facility
- Integrated alarm, CCTV, and other security systems, that report locally or to a central alarm station
Key Functions of Physical Security System
NERC guidelines identify several key functions of a physical security system.
Here is how the FiberPatrol security solution works to enable these functions:
- DETER: a conspicuous FiberPatrol intrusion sensor increases the deterrent impact of the perimeter barrier.
- DETECT: FiberPatrol systems employ the most advanced intrusion detection technology currently in existence, including the ability to locate the breach point.
- ASSESS: integrated FiberPatrol security solution automatically assesses perimeter events, prioritizes reported alarms, and supplies video feeds for visual assessment of the situation.
- COMMUNICATE: Fiber Patrol Remote Alarm Management System delivers alarm information to security personnel located anywhere.
- RESPOND: FiberPatrol solution enables faster and more targeted response by security personnel by providing the most accurate and timely intrusion alarm information.
Specific Physical Security Means
NERC guidelines further recommended a list of specific security means.
Here is how the FiberPatrol security solution provides and / or enhances certain recommended means:
- FENCE: a FiberPatrol intrusion detection system converts an existing fence into an intrusion sensor and leverages investments into perimeter barriers.
- PERIMETER ALARM SYSTEM: Key components of the FiberPatrol solution are multi-zone and location-sensing perimeter intrusion detection systems.
- CCTV SYSTEM: integrated FiberPatrol security solution enhances CCTV capability by automatically selecting and pointing cameras and triggering video recording in response to an alarm.
- CENTRAL ALARM STATION: FiberPatrol Remote Alarm Management System collects, assesses, files, and reports alarm information from multiple remote sensors and sites.
Beyond Physical Security
FiberPatrol solutions addresses newest NERC guidelines and conform to provisions going beyond basic physical security.
- UNATTENDED OPERATION: FiberPatrol systems provide full autonomy for protecting unattended sites, such as remote electrical sub-stations.
- SETTING PRIORITIES: FiberPatrol Remote Alarm Management System helps prioritizes monitoring of and responding to alarms at multiple sites of varied value.
- CYBER SECURITY: FiberPatrol Remote Alarm Management System provides role-based access rights, authenticates local and remote operators, and can encrypt information exchange..
- COMPLETE AND PERMANENT DOCUMENTATION: FiberPatrol Remote Alarm Management System maintains a full-featured database of alarms and other events supporting all data-mining and reporting tasks.
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