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Security systems

Security issues are a pressing concern for any organization. We provide a range of security standards to help you manage people and employee security, information security, IT security, physical security, electronic security and vehicle security. By adopting a practical approach to security, you can minimize risks, reduce insurance premiums and meet regulatory requirements in turn helping save time, money and lives.

Adopting a practical approach to security

Discover how standards help you to identify risks and minimize security breaches

How standards help organizations manage their security
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How standards help organizations manage their security

With today’s complex security management challenges, a broad range of security processes are necessary to achieve maximum security effectiveness through efficient day-to-day monitoring.  A Security Management System (SMS) enables security operators to streamline and optimize routine security and emergency preparedness. This helps to improve overall security effectiveness for the security monitoring and surveillance infrastructure. What are the benefits of security management systems? The benefits of security management systems include: Efficiency - Security processes, workflows, and reporting are streamlined through a centralized security management system. Well-documented policies, procedures, and protocols reduce cost, save time and increase overall effectiveness. Preparedness - Security Management Systems provide continuous updates and priority management data that help to create an overall picture of every situation as it arises and changes throughout time. Your security infrastructure acquires better preparedness and emergency situational awareness during times of crisis. Organization - Security Management Systems, integrated with video management systems, can automate the analysis of events that have occurred or in real-time. They capture pertinent events, their location, their time, and identities for security personnel to review. Automation - Security Management Systems are protocol-driven and can systematically collate, sort, and analyze data from multiple sources. The SMS enables security personnel, though precise automated responses and communications that are streamlined for every event and incident. To learn about achieving best practices in video surveillance systems, click here.  Discover the standards supporting security system best practices These standards are written by experts and based on best practices. They provide both strategic and practical tools to help organizations minimize their exposure to risk, reduce their insurance premiums, avoid litigation and maintain regulatory compliance.  BS 16000:2015 Security management. Strategic and operational guidelines give guidance on security management for any organization, whether large or small, public or private, to support its viability, productivity, reputation, sustainability, and ultimately, success. It clarifies the basic principles of security management and demonstrates how security can be embedded in an organization.  Taking a holistic approach to this issue is made easier with standard BS 16000:2015. BS EN ISO/IEC 27001 Information security management system (ISMS). You simply can’t be too careful when it comes to information security. Protecting personal records and commercially sensitive information is critical. Internationally recognized, BS EN ISO/IEC 27001 is an excellent framework that helps organizations manage and protect their information assets so that they remain safe and secure. It helps you implement a robust approach to managing information security (infosec) and building resilience.  BS EN 16747:2015 Maritime and port security services. BS EN 16747:2015 is a service standard that specifies requirements for quality in organization, processes, staff, and management of a security services provider and/or its independent branches, and establishments under commercial law and trade as a provider regarding port and maritime security services. It applies according to the laws and the regulations applicable in the territory of every national CEN member adopting the standard.  BS ISO 18788:2015 Management system for private security operations. BS ISO 18788:2015 provides a framework for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving the management of security operations. It provides the principles and requirements for a security operations management system (SOMS). These standards give guidance on how organizations can implement systems that holistically manage security requirements across the whole organization. They can also help organizations identify opportunities and gain a competitive advantage.  Ensure your business is managing its security requirements as efficiently as possible by adding these standards to your collection today. Discover BSI Knowledge Want to access all your security standards, in one place? A BSI Knowledge subscription gives your security business the flexibility and visibility to share security knowledge and best practices across your whole team - enabling you to get the most from your standards. Request to learn more.Read more
Achieving best practice in video surveillance systems
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Achieving best practice in video surveillance systems

Video surveillance in the workplace protects both the company and its employees. This means that quality video surveillance system standards should be at the top of your list. Video surveillance can do a lot of the legwork in preventing workplace incidents before they begin. They can also help you monitor activity and take care of any illegal happenings within your company. For that reason, a CCTV camera is a fundamental tool that keeps your property secure, along with maintaining the well-fare of your company’s employees and operations. It promotes the safety of the space and reduces crime rates. To read more about how security standards help organizations to manage their security requirements, click here. BS 8418: Ensuring the Integrity of Installed CCTV Systems Detector-activated CCTV systems are an effective tool in the prevention and detection of crime, which provides visually confirmed images of incidents as they progress. They can provide value-added features such as their use being part of a safety management process when not performing the security function.  When a detector senses activity the system transmits the images to a Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC) where they can be evaluated by an operator. These images can be viewed and a request can be made to an emergency response if there is visual evidence showing unauthorized access to the secure area and/or actual criminal activity. Therefore, it is essential that the resilience and quality of the CCTV system are high and they are maintained at all times. BS 8418 Installation and remote monitoring of detector-activated CCTV systems ensure the integrity and effectiveness of an installed CCTV system are not comprised. This standard: Provides detailed technical and non-technical requirements for interested parties in one document Is the only CCTV standard that qualifies for Police Response via the Unique Reference Number (URN) route currently used by professional installers and monitoring centers across the country Calls on the best practice used in other CCTV and intruder alarm related applications Enables the operation of a nationally recognized installer and monitoring center certification scheme Is aligned to be in accordance with the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) CCTV standards Recommends the design, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and remote monitoring of detector-activated CCTV systems Get everyone in your business involved in embedding a best practice culture when it comes to security. A BSI Knowledge subscription gives you instant access to the resources you need to improve your security systems. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to our GBM08 Fire, Accident & Crime Protection module and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more. Other Key Security Standards Supporting Video Surveillance Systems These standards include the systems that monitor activity in public areas, businesses, or commercial buildings for real-time or later review.  Some record only videos, while others include sound. Video surveillance can also be used inside and outside schools and private residences as an extra security measure. Available systems offer varying levels of sophistication within a wide price range.  BS 7958:2015 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). Management and operation. Code of practice. BS 7958:2015 gives recommendations for the management and operation of CCTV within a controlled environment, where data that might be offered as evidence are received, stored, reviewed, or analyzed. It applies to the monitoring and management of public spaces, including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and traffic enforcement cameras. BS EN 62676-3:2015 Video surveillance systems for use in security applications. Analog and digital video interfaces. BS EN 62676-3:2015 specifies physical, electrical and software interface (non-IP) specifications of analog and digital video interface in video surveillance systems (so far called CCTV) applications.  BS EN 62676-4:2015 Video surveillance systems for use in security applications. Application guidelines. BS EN 62676-4:2015 gives recommendations and requirements for the selection, planning, installation, commissioning, maintaining, and testing of video surveillance systems (VSS) comprising of image capture device(s), interconnection(s), and image handling device(s), for use in security applications.  BS EN 62676-1-1:2014 Video surveillance systems for use in security applications. System requirements. General. BS EN 62676-1-1:2014 specifies the minimum requirements and gives recommendations for video surveillance systems (VSS) installed for security applications. It specifies the minimum performance requirements and functional requirements to be agreed on between customer, law enforcement where applicable, and supplier in the operational requirement.  BS EN 62676-1-2:2014 Video surveillance systems for use in security applications. System requirements. Performance requirements for video transmission. BS EN 62676-1-2:2014 introduces general requirements on video transmission. It covers the general requirements for video transmissions on performance, security, and conformance to basic IP connectivity, based on available, well-known, international standards.  BS EN 62676-2-1:2014 Video surveillance systems for use in security applications. Video transmission protocols. General requirements. BS EN 62676-2-1:2014 introduces an IP network interface for devices in surveillance applications. It specifies a network protocol for the full interoperability of video devices. On top of the basic layers, protocols are defined to accomplish the full interoperability of video devices.  Ensure your video surveillance systems are operating to best practices by adding these security standards to your collection today.
Enhancing security for windows and doorsets with PAS 24
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Enhancing security for windows and doorsets with PAS 24

In 2014, the Government announced its intention to deliver a radically simplified system for setting standards in the design and construction of new homes. This marked the first time that the security of new homes was given serious weight and importance within Building Regulations, with the publication of Security in dwellings: Approved Document Q, as a method of demonstrating that accessible windows and doorsets contribute to a dwelling meeting requirement Q1 of the building regulations. Within the document, the Government also recognized the BSI-published industry specification PAS 24 Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Doorsets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk as the focus for the new building requirement, applicable to new build properties. PAS 24 has been amended, with the most recent update being PAS 24:2022+A1:2024. This amendment was essential to keep pace with evolving criminal practices and to ensure the standard remains effective in preventing common types of burglary. The revisions reflect changes in criminal modus operandi and include updates to referenced industry documents. They also clarify test methods based on feedback from accredited test laboratories and UKAS. To learn about how standards support the provision of security services, click here. What is PAS 24? PAS 24:2022+A1:2024 is a Product Assessment Specification (PAS) that defines the enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. It provides detailed methods for testing and assessing the security of these products, specifically targeting their ability to resist attacks from casual or opportunistic burglars. The primary purpose of PAS 24 is to ensure that doorsets and windows are capable of withstanding attempts to gain unauthorized entry through methods typically associated with casual or opportunistic burglars. This standard is particularly valued for its focus on real-world attack scenarios, rather than purely theoretical or isolated component testing. As such, it is a key component in the UK's approach to building security, forming the backbone of Part Q of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, and featuring in section 4.13 of the Scottish Building Regulations. What is the scope and application uses of PAS 24? PAS 24:2022+A1:2024 applies to a wide range of doorsets and windows, irrespective of the materials used in their construction. It covers various types of windows and doors, including: Windows: Top hung, side hung, tilt and turn, sliding, fixed casements, and more. Doorsets: Single and double leaf, hinged, sliding, pivot, folding sliding, stable doors, and those with or without integral side panels and fanlights. The distinction between a doorset and a window is based on the manufacturer's intended use, with products for pedestrian access being tested and classified as doorsets. What has changed with the 2024 amendment to PAS 24? The PAS 24:2022 standard has recently been amended, culminating in the updated version PAS 24:2022+A1:2024. Key updates include: Clarified test methods and additional tools: incorporating feedback from accredited test laboratories, the revised standard now offers clearer guidelines on testing procedures, ensuring consistency and reliability in security assessments, to keep pace with evolving criminal practices. Updated industry references: the revision also includes updates to referenced industry documents, ensuring that the standard remains aligned with the latest industry practices and technological advancements. Material-agnostic requirements: PAS 24:2022+A1:2024 continues to maintain material-agnostic security performance requirements, meaning it applies universally across different materials used in doorsets and windows. However, certification under this standard requires compliance with material-specific standards like BS 7412, BS 4873, BS 6510, BS 8529, and BS 644. For those involved in the design, manufacture, or installation of windows and doorsets, compliance with PAS 24:2022+A1:2024 is essential for meeting legal requirements and providing peace of mind to end users. Get your copy today. Discover BSI Knowledge There is no doubt that using standards can ensure the quality of your window and doorset products, building crucial trust between you and the rest of your supply chain. With a BSI Knowledge subscription, quality is at your fingertips. Build your own custom collection of standards or opt for access to our GBM50 Building Installations & Finishing module for instant access to over 2,400 documents. Request to learn more.
How security standards support the provision of security services
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How security standards support the provision of security services

The UK’s security services sector has undergone a fair amount of change in recent years.  This includes new security technology, such as CCTV, and a consequent re-engineering of services. It includes the growth of integrated facilities management contracts and the impact of government spending cuts and the outsourcing of services, such as prisons and policing, support to achieve savings. At the same time, we’ve seen an increase in levels of security in places such as airports and other sensitive locations and parallel growth of internet retailing with an attendant impact on the character of many high streets. There is virtually no major public or private organization without a team dedicated to managing issues of security. The in-house security team within every business – described above, is just one part of the industry. There is also an entire sector devoted to providing business-to-business-security solutions. And security professionals can be involved in providing crime awareness advice, working to reduce vandalism on urban estates, monitoring behaviour on our streets, or protecting buildings for clients who contract their services. Another end of the profession is dedicated to selling, installing, or manufacturing the latest digital security technologies. The market is strong, and rapidly expanding. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the increasing demand for security services, causing more people in the UK to work alone: either away from their organization’s base, at home, or during abnormal hours. Working alone can create additional health and safety risks and lone worker devices (LWD), electronic devices able to transmit location, identity, and voice to a monitoring centre and request assistance, offer additional personal security. The Importance of Security Standard BS 10800 At BSI, we’re working hard to deliver a suite of security services standards that are fit for the future of this dynamic and critically important sector. Sitting at the top of the national security services standards hierarchy, standard BS 10800 gives recommendations for the management, staffing, and operation of an organization providing security industry services. It contains all the generic recommendations required for the provision of any security service. The service-specific security standards (e.g. for manned security, security dogs, cash and valuables in transit services, etc) now sit under the “umbrella” of this standard. Whilst this standard is new, it contains a lot of content that was formerly in BS 7499. It’s for security services providers and users, which encompasses: SIA Approved Contractors Organizations providing security services Organizations installing alarm systems Those responsible for security systems in buildings Security service training officers Facilities management companies Security companies The retail, sports, entertainment, and airports sectors Prisons, probation, and police services Local government To learn more about the business benefits of our security standards, read our article 'How standards help organizations manage their security'. Other Key Security Services Standards Implementing security standards to help your organization with the provision of security services will help maintain your business’ reputation, and save time, money, and potentially lives. Other key security best practices for the provision of security services include: BS 8484:2022 Provision of lone worker services. Code of practice Now that more than one in five of the UK’s working population work alone, have you considered if your organization is looking after its lone workers effectively enough? BS 8484 gives recommendations for the provision of safety and security for employees in a lone working scenario where the customer’s risk profile identifies the need for a lone worker service (LWS). Lone workers are employees or sub-contracted individuals who operate out of sight or sound of colleagues. This includes people working from home. BS 8484 gives recommendations for minimizing false alarms , managing low-level genuine incidents that do not require an immediate physical response and maximizing continual engagement with an LWS. BS 7984-3:2020 Keyholding and response services. Provision of mobile security services. Code of practice. Any security operator controlling customer keys or passcodes needs to assure those customers that they are in safe hands. BS 7984-3 gives recommendations for the management, staffing, and operation of organizations providing mobile patrol services, such as security companies and agencies, building management companies, local authorities, and those promoting compliance. BS EN 17483-1:2021 Private security services. Protection of critical infrastructure. General requirements. BS EN 17483-1 includes the main overarching requirements for the provision of private security services for critical infrastructure. It lays down quality criteria for the delivery of security services requested by public and private clients. It specifies service requirements for quality in the organization, processes, personnel, and management of a security service provider and/or its independent branches and establishments under commercial law and trade as a provider of security services. BS 7499:2020 Provision of static guarding security services. Code of practice. BS 7499 is a code of practice giving recommendations on how to provide static security guarding services. It gives recommendations for the management, staffing, and operation of an organization providing security guarding services on a static site and/or mobile patrol basis. It isn’t applicable to all security services, for example, cash-in-transit services, secure parcel services, keyholding and response services, door supervisors, close protection services, event stewarding, and the management and operation of closed-circuit television (CCTV). BS 8549:2016 Security consultancy. Code of practice. BS 8549 gives recommendations on management, resourcing, and operation for the provision of contracted security consultancy services. It also assists procurers wishing to contract such services to ensure the service fits the end-user requirements and risk profile. Want to have access to all your security standards in one place? A BSI Knowledge subscription gives your security business the flexibility and visibility to share security knowledge and best practices across your whole team - enabling you to get the most from your standards. Request to learn more. Experience the benefits of security services standards to your organization by adding these standards to your collection today.

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