Physical Security Monitoring
Surveillance and detection systems used to monitor facilities and detect unauthorized access. Includes video surveillance, access badges, lighting, and various sensors such as infrared, pressure, microwave, and ultrasonic.
Understanding Physical Security Monitoring
Physical security monitoring detects unauthorized access and suspicious activity. While physical mechanisms (locks, fences, bollards) prevent or delay entry, monitoring systems detect when something is wrong and enable response.
Monitoring serves multiple purposes: • Detection — Identify intrusions and suspicious activity • Deterrence — Visible cameras discourage bad actors • Documentation — Record evidence for investigation • Verification — Confirm identity at access points
Effective physical security combines mechanisms (barriers) with monitoring (detection). Barriers slow attackers; monitoring alerts defenders and captures evidence.
Why This Matters for the Exam
Physical security monitoring is tested both as standalone knowledge and within broader security scenarios. Questions may ask about selecting the right sensor type for a specific environment or understanding how monitoring supports incident response.
Understanding different sensor types helps with scenario questions. Each sensor type has strengths and weaknesses—knowing when infrared vs. microwave vs. ultrasonic is appropriate demonstrates practical knowledge.
This connects to detective controls from Domain 1.1. Cameras, sensors, and access logs are all detective physical controls—they detect rather than prevent.
Deep Dive
Video Surveillance (CCTV)
- •Cameras that monitor and record activity in physical spaces.
Types:
- •Analog CCTV — Traditional closed-circuit systems
- •IP Cameras — Network-connected, often higher resolution
- •PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) — Movable cameras for wide coverage
- •Fixed cameras — Stationary coverage of specific areas
Features:
- •Motion detection and recording triggers
- •Night vision and low-light capability
- •Video analytics (facial recognition, object detection)
- •Remote viewing and management
- •Storage and retention policies
Placement Considerations:
- •Entry/exit points
- •Parking areas
- •Sensitive areas (data centers, vaults)
- •Public areas for safety
- •No blind spots in critical areas
Functions:
- •Detective — Identify incidents
- •Deterrent — Visible presence discourages
- •Evidentiary — Record for investigation
Access Badges
- •Identification cards that control and log physical access.
Types:
- •Proximity cards — Contactless, short-range
- •Smart cards — Chip-based, can store credentials
- •Magnetic stripe — Swipe cards (older technology)
- •Mobile credentials — Smartphone-based access
Features:
- •Unique identification
- •Access logging (who, when, where)
- •Integration with access control systems
- •Photo ID for visual verification
- •Multi-factor (badge + PIN)
Security Lighting
- •Illumination that supports security and deters intrusion.
Purposes:
- •Eliminate shadows and hiding spots
- •Support surveillance camera effectiveness
- •Deter intruders who prefer darkness
- •Enable guard observation
Types:
- •Continuous lighting — Always on
- •Motion-activated — Triggers on movement
- •Emergency lighting — Battery backup during outages
- •Smart lighting — Programmable, integrated with security
Sensor Types
Infrared (IR) Sensors
- •Detect body heat (passive infrared/PIR)
- •Common for motion detection
- •Affected by heat sources and temperature changes
- •Best for indoor use
Pressure Sensors
- •Detect weight on floors, mats, or fences
- •Identify when someone steps in an area
- •Can count people (for mantrap verification)
- •Weather-resistant options available
Microwave Sensors
- •Emit microwave signals, detect reflection changes
- •Cover larger areas than IR
- •Can penetrate some materials
- •May have more false alarms (movement behind walls)
Ultrasonic Sensors
- •Emit high-frequency sound waves
- •Detect movement via reflected sound changes
- •Sensitive to air movement (HVAC)
- •Good for enclosed spaces
Sensor Comparison
| Sensor Type | Detection Method | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared | Body heat | Indoor motion | Heat sources cause false alarms |
| Pressure | Weight | Floor/perimeter | Limited to specific areas |
| Microwave | Radio wave reflection | Large areas | Penetrates walls (false alarms) |
| Ultrasonic | Sound wave reflection | Enclosed spaces | Air movement causes false alarms |
Integration and Response
Effective monitoring requires: • Central monitoring station — View and respond to alerts • Alert escalation — Automated notification workflows • Integration — Video + sensors + access control • Response procedures — What to do when alarms trigger • Regular testing — Verify systems work correctly
How CompTIA Tests This
Example Analysis
Scenario: A data center needs to detect unauthorized entry into the server room. The room has controlled climate (HVAC) and is enclosed with no windows. Security wants motion detection that triggers camera recording.
Analysis: Best sensor choice is Passive Infrared (PIR): • Detects body heat from intruders • Works well in enclosed spaces • Not affected by the environment (no windows) • Limitation: HVAC shouldn't cause issues if properly installed
Why not others: • Microwave — Could detect movement in adjacent rooms (walls) • Ultrasonic — HVAC air movement could cause false alarms • Pressure — Only detects on specific floor areas
Key insight: Sensor selection depends on the environment. Indoor, enclosed spaces typically favor PIR. Large open areas might use microwave. Each has trade-offs.
Key Terms to Know
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Exam Tips
Memory Trick
"IPMU" for Sensor Types
- •Infrared — detects Internal heat (body heat)
- •Pressure — detects People stepping
- •Microwave — detects Movement via radio waves
- •Ultrasonic — detects via soUnd waves
- •Camera Functions:
- •Visible = Deter + Detect
- •Hidden = Detect only
The Complete Picture: Barriers STOP → Sensors DETECT → Cameras RECORD → Guards RESPOND
- •False Alarm Memory:
- •Ultrasonic hates AIR movement
- •Microwave sees through WALLS
- •Infrared triggered by HEAT
- •Pressure needs WEIGHT
Test Your Knowledge
Q1.Which type of sensor detects motion by sensing changes in body heat?
Q2.A security camera is prominently displayed at a building entrance with a sign stating "24-Hour Video Surveillance." What control types does this represent?
Q3.Which sensor type might generate false alarms due to HVAC air movement?
Want more practice with instant AI feedback?
Practice with AIContinue Learning
Ready to test your knowledge?
Practice questions on physical security monitoring and other Objective 1.2 concepts.