Presentation Title: Protecting Airports and Other High Security Facilities: Security Considerations
Presentation Abstract:
Locks are the first line of defense in securing critical infrastructure such as airports, cargo facilities, aircraft, and other high-value targets. There is a migration to electronic credentials in order to control access to such facilities. Are there security hazards in relying solely upon such systems, especially stand-alone hardware?
Major lock conglomerates such as Assa Abloy and their group of companies have spent millions of dollars to develop sophisticated and highly functional systems, but have they forgotten the basic rules of lock design, thereby potentially creating serious security threats, especially in earlier generation hardware that is still in service. An analysis of different levels of security and how they have been defeated will serve as a case example of inherent vulnerabilities in different systems offered by the predominant high security lock manufacturer in the United States.
This presentation will focus on security issues that can arise as a result of the use of certain locks and systems. The criteria and fundamental requirements for secure facilities will be discussed in terms of mechanical and electronic locks, and the integration of different types of systems. Design considerations for two of the most successful technologies, the Assa Abloy Cliq and Medeco NexGen, will be touched upon, with a special briefing for affected government agencies with regard to ongoing research into defeat scenarios.
About Marc
Marc Weber Tobias is an investigative attorney and security specialist living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He represents and consults with lock manufacturers, government agencies and corporations in the U.S. and overseas regarding the design and bypass of locks and security systems. He has authored five police textbooks, including Locks, Safes, and Security, which is recognized as the primary reference for law enforcement and security professionals worldwide. The second edition, a 1400 page two-volume work, is utilized by criminal investigators, crime labs, locksmiths and those responsible for physical security. A ten-volume multimedia edition of his book is also available online. His website is security.org, Marc is a member of a number of professional security organizations, including the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), Association of Firearms and Tool Marks Examiners (AFTE), American Polygraph Association (APA) and American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP).
Marc was Chief of the Organized Crime Unit, Office of Attorney General in the State of South Dakota, and as such directed many criminal investigations. He also worked special investigations for the Office of Governor, State of South Dakota for sixteen years, and was responsible for conducting internal inquiries for the executive branch of government
and for the state prison system.
Marc has lectured extensively in the United States and Europe on physical security and certain aspects of criminal investigations and interrogation technique. He holds several patents involving the bypass of locks and security systems. Marc contributes a column to engadget.com and has been featured in many publications as well as radio and television stories around the world.
