Understanding Security Site Plans and Risk-Based Performance Standards

  • By Ryan Loughin
  • May 25, 2010

The heart of the CFATS program is the Security Site Plans (SSP), which must address, as applicable, the Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPSs) established by the Department of Homeland Security. These standards include everything from perimeter security to recordkeeping. DHS does not mandate specific security measures or technologies; each facility is free to use any security measures it wants as long as those measures meet the applicable performance standard for the facility's risk-tier.

For example, in most cases, a Tier 1 facility will need to have stricter perimeter security in place than a Tier 3 facility to meet RBPS 1 - Restrict Area Perimeter.

Here is a summary of the 18 RBPSs:

  • Restrict Area Perimeter - Secure and monitor the perimeter of the facility.
  • Secure Site Assets - Secure and monitor restricted areas or potentially critical targets within the facility.
  • Screen and Control Access - Control access to the facility and to restricted areas within the facility by screening and/or inspecting individuals and vehicles as they enter.
  • Deter, Detect, and Delay - Deter, detect, and delay an attack, creating sufficient time between detection of an attack and the point at which the attack becomes successful.
  • Shipping, Receipt, and Storage - Secure and monitor the shipping, receipt, and storage of hazardous materials for the facility.
  • Theft and Diversion - Deter theft or diversion of potentially dangerous chemicals.
  • Sabotage - Deter insider sabotage.
  • Cyber - Deter cyber sabotage, including by preventing unauthorized on-site or remote access to critical process controls, such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCSs), Process Control Systems (PCSs), Industrial Control Systems (ICSs), critical business systems, and other sensitive computerized systems.
  • Response - Develop and exercise an emergency plan to respond to security incidents internally and with the assistance of local law enforcement and first responders.
  • Monitoring - Maintain effective monitoring, communications, and warning systems.
  • Training - Ensure proper security training, exercises, and drills of facility personnel.
  • Personnel Surety - Perform appropriate background checks on and ensure appropriate credentials for facility personnel, and, as appropriate, for unescorted visitors with access to restricted areas or critical assets.
  • Elevated Threats - Escalate the level of protective measures for periods of elevated threat.
  • Specific Threats, Vulnerabilities, or Risks - Address specific threats, vulnerabilities, or risks identified by the Assistant Secretary for the particular facility at issue
  • Reporting of Significant Security Incidents - Report significant security incidents to the Department and to local law enforcement officials.
  • Significant Security Incidents and Suspicious Activities - Identify, investigate, report, and maintain records of significant security incidents and suspicious activities in or near the site.
  • Officials and Organization - Establish official(s) and an organization responsible for security and for compliance with these standards.
  • Records - Maintain appropriate records.

To help facilities meet the RBPSs, DHS has developed a guide titled the "Risk-Based Performance Standards Guidance." This document is available online through DHS and it describes the RBPSs in greater detail and provides guidance regarding the level of performance needed for each tier level.

Once a facility's SSP is submitted to DHS it will go through a review process which will be followed by an on-site visit by a DHS chemical security inspector. This inspection is conducted to ensure that all applicable RBPSs have been addressed and that the appropriate security measure or procedure has been implemented or validated. After the inspection the facility will receive a letter approving or disapproving the SSP.

To learn more download the paper "Ten Tips for Completing a Site Security Plan at www.adt.com/whitepaper.

About the Author

Ryan Loughin is director of petrochemical and energy solutions for the advanced integration division of ADT.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.