Last Line of Defense in Physical Security

A.

"Ultimately, people are the last line of defense for your companys assets" (Pastore & Dulaney, 2006, p.

529)

Pastore, M.

and Dulaney,

E.

(2006)

CompTIA Security+ study guide: Exam SY0-101

Indianapolis, IN: Sybex.

In a physical security sense, the last line of defense is typically the perimeter barriers. Perimeter barriers are physical structures or obstacles that are used to secure the external boundaries of a facility or property, such as walls, fences, gates, or bollards.

The primary purpose of perimeter barriers is to deter and prevent unauthorized access to a protected area by creating a physical boundary that restricts or controls the movement of people and vehicles. Perimeter barriers also serve as a means of detecting and delaying intruders, as well as providing a physical obstacle to their progress.

While interior and exterior barriers also play important roles in physical security, they are not typically the last line of defense. Interior barriers are used to compartmentalize and restrict movement within a facility, while exterior barriers are used to create a buffer zone between the perimeter and the surrounding environment. However, these barriers can be breached or bypassed if an intruder has already managed to penetrate the perimeter.

People, as an answer choice, could refer to security personnel, and while they are an important part of a physical security program, they are not typically considered the last line of defense. Security personnel can detect and respond to security threats, but they are not infallible and can be overpowered or outmaneuvered by determined attackers.

In summary, perimeter barriers are typically the last line of defense in a physical security sense because they provide a physical boundary that restricts or controls the movement of people and vehicles and serves as a means of detecting and delaying intruders.