How are Security Controls Tested and Verified? Security is an integral part of any organization and involves a number of processes. These include the following:
Security Control Processes Security procedures will vary depending on the type of product in consideration. For instance, while the physical security of a building can be controlled by physical means, the processes involved in controlling access to a facility may also include electronic means. Therefore, it is essential that an effective methodology is adopted for each individual application and each type of product or control.
Types of Security Controls Security procedures will differ when dealing with electronic security systems. A thorough knowledge of the electrical safety of the equipment is necessary when considering installation of security systems and the procedures involved in the testing and approval of the same. Electrical safety is enhanced by using high-quality, long-lasting and highly durable components.
How are Security Controls Tested and Verified? The testing procedure is generally classified according to the method used to test the system or component. This classification is usually done on the basis of whether or not the controls are closed, open or concealed. When a security device is tested and found to have fault, then this is usually the reason why the device is found to be non compliant.
Closed system security systems do not allow access to the area being controlled. Closed security systems involve a physical barrier such as an iron security fence, concrete walls or locked doors. In case of a security control that involves an open area, then the control is considered open and subject to all the factors that influence accessibility. The most common cause for failure in an open security system is poor maintenance, which has the consequence of making the control porous and weak.
How Are Security Controls Tested And Verified?
An effective way of determining the compliance of security devices is called the security test. The security test consists of various tests and procedures adopted to check the working condition of the security control. These checks are executed periodically, either at the factory or at the service center. The type of security test employed here comprises physical, electrical, software and programming tests.
The physical test of a security control usually involves checking for signs of wear and tear and determining the presence of any malfunctioning parts. Electrical tests are conducted to ensure that a security device is not vulnerable to electrical intrusion. The testing procedures for software and programming control devices are quite different. In the software testing procedures, the test engineer simulates a complete system to examine the response time, performance, and overall performance of the software. It is not uncommon to find software that fails this type of test because of its reliance on a complex architecture.
When a manufacturer conducts the security check, there are several steps that must be taken to ensure that the system is correctly implemented. These include pre-test and post-test procedures. The post-test procedure involves several steps such as data recovery, fault injection, code validation, and fault injection re-write. This is often required when a new system has been installed and the existing controls are not functioning properly. For a fully secure control system, it is advisable to get in touch with a reliable and experienced control system tester.
After testing is complete, the control engineer verifies the results and provides a report. There are different ways to go about verifying the results. The primary way is through the review of test results and source data collected during the test. Security check authors and evaluators collect detailed information from the test results and utilize it to generate reports. Security check authors will also discuss the system’s security and determine whether additional controls are required.
Another way to verify the security of a system is through post test validation. Post tests involve a new set of security checks and are conducted to verify whether the new set of security checks perform as promised. Security check authors evaluate the new security checks using actual test cases and a comparison to the original test case. The purpose of this exercise is to validate the system’s compliance with recommended standards.
All these activities are performed to test and verify the system and its components. Control system development companies undertake the various activities to develop suitable control systems. They have to make sure that the controls meet the business requirements and the regulatory requirements of the various countries where they are deployed. Control systems development is a long process that requires rigorous efforts.
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