Abstract

• Author: Vasilis Karlos - Martin Larcher
• Pages: 4-4

4

Abstract

The purpose of the current document is to provide guidance to security and law enforcement officials,

building/site owners, venue organizers, state organizations, engineers and other stakeholders that are in charge

of securing facilities and critical infrastructures against the growing international terrorist threat. The focus of

the report narrows down intorecommendations for a robust and usable approach for the physical protection of

infrastructures against this borderless phenomenon. It addresses shortcomings encountered in the design of

such security solutions and aims at producing a simple, self-contained practical guide to enable the selection

and installation of elements that are able to stop and/or deter potential terrorist attacks.

A detailed analytical procedure is illustrated for identifyingthe weaknesses of potential terrorist targets and

assessthe relevant risk for different terroristtactics. Advice is provided for the introduction of protection

measuresagainst both external and internal explosionsand design methodologies are presentedfor minimizing

the likelihood for the development of a progressive collapse mechanism. Moreover, specialized perimeter

physical protection measures are proposed that may successfully restrict unauthorised vehicle and intruder

access, supplementedby the employment of modern digital technologies, such as video surveillance, smart

sensorsand video analytics. The novel and emerging threat landscapeis also addressed, such asthe malicious

use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, requiringnew response strategies that call for the adoption of state-of-

the-art counter technologies.

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