For the sake of safety, I will not mention the apartment complex by name, but one familiar to students has recently installed security systems in all of the apartments. The system is very basic in nature, and consists of a sensor on both the main door to each apartment, as well as on the doorframe. If the system is enabled and the connection between these sensors is broken (and whoever enters the apartment does not enter the code on the keypad) an alarm will sound. Also, if the resident pays a monthly fee the alarm will dial out to the police that someone has broken into the residence.
The three goals of security can all be applied to this device. First, concerning confidentiality, the system attempts to keep people who are unwanted out of the apartment. This is enabled by alerting others if a break-in occurs. Integrity is maintained in a very similar fashion to confidentiality. The alarm system notifies others if an unauthorized person enters the apartment. Hopefully, this will prevent the unauthorized person from being able to steal or destroy anything in the apartment. Finally, the alarm system is able to apply to availability. If a person is supposed to have access to the apartment, they will know the alarm code. This will prevent alerts that would go off even if authorized people enter the apartment. An attacker, in attempting to thwart the alarm system has the goals of disclosure and alteration. Once inside, they have access to areas that they should not. They will also be able to steal or destroy things in the apartment, which constitutes alteration.
There is a serious vulnerability in the security system that has been installed. First, there are no sensors on windows or the sliding glass door in each apartment. This means that unauthorized persons can force entry through these points without ever setting off the alarm. Additionally, there are no motion sensors within the apartments themselves. These would be able to detect if an unauthorized person was inside the apartment even if they had entered through some other point. Therefore, I feel that the apartment management's best choice is to mitigate risk by installing the aforementioned motion sensors. These will help detect intruders, and will help achieve the goal they had when they chose to install an alarm system.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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It was at least a good idea that they thought about placing sensors at this apartment complex. It provides some sense of security. However, I also agree that the apartment needs better sensors for other ways into the apartment, such as windows and sliding doors. Most thieves do not always go through the front door, especially if they think smarter. If they are capable, they will attempt the windows and sliding doors. Although front doors can be kicked open, sliding doors and windows are made of glass and can easily be broken.
ReplyDeleteI think the main reason that the alarms were installed were to strike fear into the thieves, as well as removing any liability to a theft. I actually live in the apartment complex where these devices were installed and know that an alarm does sound if the device is set up, however they are easily broken into and access to an apartment can be gained at any time. I feel as long as some type of alarm sounds these are sufficient in maintaining security, along with the cameras and security guards that roam the premises at night
ReplyDeleteOther apartment complexes or renters might want to consider this system, which allows for a lot of flexibility and has worked well for me:
ReplyDeletehttp://simplisafe.com/apartment-security