What is the difference between active and passive security?

Active security is designed to prevent access to protected areas where passive security devices (safes, security cabinets, security doors, vaults, etc.) are found. ).

Active security includes access control (alarm systems, video surveillance, anomaly detectors, etc.). These devices perform actions as intruders approach the protected area. An example of this is burglar alarm systems, which perform certain operations when alerted, such as: sounding sirens, switching on lights, calling telephone numbers (owner, police, etc.).

Passive security is designed to protect valuables and includes all devices preventing thieves from breaking in and stealing valuables. These include fences, grates, bars, security doors and security rooms (vaults, safes, securitycabinets, safety deposit boxes, etc.) These are means of protecting valuables but do not themselves perform any action. They are security devices that do not actually prevent access or removal of goods but make it much more difficult. Ability to open a safe, for example, depends on the time and means available. It can take a few minutes, but it can also take several hours. It depends on the security level (class 1, class 2, class 3) of the devices used.

The questions that are often asked are: “I have adopted a system belonging to one of the two security classes, am I completely safe?”, “With my alarm system, are my possessions safe?”, “With my security cabinet, can I go on holiday without any worries?”.

The answer to these questions is that any passive and active security device can be rendered inoperative but, of course, the more difficulties there are and the longer it takes to neutralise these devices, the more likely it is for the criminal to give up the attempt.

Many people feel safe when they install an alarm system, but they don’t realise that even if they have an alarm system connected to a security company, it can take many minutes before a guard reaches their home or business. Thieves know this, and if you leave your possessions in a drawer or in a cheap safe box, the risk of having them stolen is high.

An average income family can achieve a good level of security by installing an alarm system connected to a security company and a security cabinet, as long as it is secured to the floor and walls.

Wall fixing is important for two reasons: the first is obviously to prevent thieves from taking away the security cabinet(the smaller the cabinet, the more this is likely to happen), and the second is to prevent them from trying to damage the security cabinet by knocking it over and damaging the surrounding area. Wall fixing is required by EN14450 standards.

Higher levels of security can be achieved by installing gratings and security doors, depending on the value of the possessions to be protected.