What makes a home feel safe? What are the features of a secure environment?
In the security industry, experts refer to “layers” of security. A practical way of thinking about physical security is to think of concentric circles, layers of defense circling the protected area, which in the case of Stockton Lofts is a loft apartment. These layers begin closest to the apartment, with an access control system that regulates access to that apartment as well as the physical security features of that apartment. The circles then progress outward to a security layer that limits access to any common areas, then outward further to limit access to the property itself and finally to include features that manage visitor access and provide surveillance that may detect or deter a security threat. Each layer outward is necessarily less restrictive, but taken together the layers are meant to create a secure environment (https://citybuildingowners.com/blog/improve-building-safety-and-security/).
Another way to think about security layers is to consider the overall design of the building security system. The “four layers of building security” are typically described as: Deterrence, Access Control, Detection and Identification (https://blog.keytrak.com/2014/07/the-four-layers-of-physical-security.html). In a multi-family environment, Deterrence includes such things as physical barriers to entry as well as visible detection equipment. Detection includes sensory systems, motion-activated lighting and technology as well as video monitoring. Identification relates to the process for providing unique access codes and devices, such as proximity cards or key fobs, phone-based apps and personal identification numbers (PINs), unique to a user. At Stockton Lofts we have a secure, gated parking lot, and security monitoring (Deterrence). We also have full-time and motion-sensing lighting in common areas, the parking lot and building surrounds and security cameras (Detection). What about identification? Uniquely assigned proximity cards, phone number ID access and PINs enable us to limit access to in a manner known as “passive” identification (active identification tools include facial recognition technology).
The fourth critical layer is Access Control, and this layer gets a lot of the attention in large part because of the excitement about new, emerging technologies that are more secure and convenient for users to use. The shortcomings of physical keys are many: keys can be lost, stolen or replicated; replacement of a mechanical locking system can be time-consuming and expensive; keys must be carried by the user – the list goes on.
Tired of reading about layers? There are layers, that underpin Access Control: Identification, Authentication and Authorization (https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/access-control).
At Stockton Lofts, we use proximity cards to enable access to the perimeter of the building (Authorization) plus dial-in access with phone number ID to the parking lot (Identification, Authentication and Authorization), proximity card access to common areas (Authorization), and uniquely-coded, PIN-access locks for access to each apartment (Identification and Authorization). No keys!
The takeaway: we’ve got it all at Stockton Lofts. Our residents want a technology-enabled, safe and secure environment, and we aim to provide them with one. And as the technology improves, we’ll change with it.
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