Critical infrastructure security

Detecting unwanted items at entrances and exits of facilities presents a multifaceted challenge that must address queuing and congestion, privacy concerns, high capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX/OPEX), operational complexity, dependency on staff, and the psychological impacts on individuals.

Clean-in/clean-out (CICO) policy

The clean-in / clean-out policy is a crucial protocol in the context of access security for critical infrastructure, particularly when it comes to managing the flow of personnel and ensuring the integrity of secure areas.

An entry control alone is sufficient, for example, if the only requirement is to prevent smuggling of flammable materials into a nuclear power plant. However, in a scenario where it is necessary to prevent data carriers with malware from being smuggled into a data center and also prevent sensitive information from leaving the building on storage media, both the entrance and exit of a facility need to be secured.

Implementing a holistic security approach with digital twins

A digital twin in the context of physical security, particularly for critical infrastructure, refers to a virtual representation of physical assets, processes, and systems that enables comprehensive monitoring, analysis, and optimization of security measures within a holistic security approach. This digital model captures all aspects of security operations, including access control and personnel monitoring, allowing organizations to visualize and simulate security processes in real-time. By facilitating routine assessments and benchmarking against best practices, digital twins promote continuous improvement and adaptability.

By investing in physical infrastructure security, such as security screening technology, the risk of unwanted items entering or exiting the facility can be reduced while maintaining a seamless experience for users.

Challenges in securing critical infrastructure

The R&S®QPS security scanners address the numerous challenges associated with critical infrastructure security, including:

• Sabotage and unauthorized access: Preventing unauthorized entry is crucial to safeguarding against sabotage and other malicious activities.
• Peak time shift changes: High volumes of personnel entering or exiting facilities can create vulnerabilities.
• Staffing costs and shortages: Recruiting and retaining skilled security personnel can be resource-intensive and costly.
• Compliance with government mandates: Adapting to evolving legal requirements can be complex and demanding.
• Diverse security needs: Different facilities require tailored security measures to address a variety of potential threats.
• Non-intrusive screening: Balancing effective security with a respectful approach for visitors and employees is essential.
• Integration with existing systems: New security technologies must seamlessly integrate with current security frameworks.
• Operational efficiency: Organizations seek solutions that minimize operational costs without compromising security.
• Remote location challenges: Protecting isolated infrastructure requires innovative and resourceful security solutions.

The R&S®QPS solution: advanced security for critical infrastructure

The R&S®QPS security scanners, are cutting-edge solutions designed to address the multifaceted challenges of critical infrastructure security. Utilizing advanced millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology, the R&S®QPS provides comprehensive screening capabilities that detect all types of objects—regardless of material—while maintaining the highest throughput rates in the market. This ensures minimal queuing during peak times, enhancing operational efficiency. In addition, its robust design, built-in self-diagnosis capabilities and lack of moving parts result in lower maintenance costs.