Recommended Starting Points
These are the fundamental guidance articles to start with - scroll down for more specific guidance and related content
Introductory Level
This guidance outlines the particular sabotage threat and provides a toolbox, signposting users to relevant useful guidance
NPSA provides support to security professionals to maximise the reach of NPSA advice and guidance.
An essential tool to enable you to produce a clear, considered, high-level statement of security needs based on the risks faced
NPSA have produced a short film which introduces the quick actions a member of staff within a retail outlet can take to lockdown their premise during a terrorist incident
If you're new to the topic, get started here with this helpful insider risk overview
This webpage outlines five key principles underpinning NPSA advice and guidance
There are several reasons why organisations might need to assess their security culture. NPSA’s Security Culture Tool is an online, self-serve tool that supports organisations in doing so.
The intelligent, co-ordinated promotion of protective security provision to the hostile.
The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) has released a new video to highlight the guidance on designing public spaces with consideration to Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM).
It is important that you understand the risks associated with deploying these technologies, whether they relate to location sensitivities, data protection considerations or privacy concerns
Increase awareness relating to fraudulent documentation and improve the vigilance of your security personnel
Physical and personnel security measures for major events require specific consideration due to their dynamic and complex character.
In conjunction with technology developers, end user site owners and operators, government stakeholders and independent experts, NPSA has produced a Discriminative Metal Detection (DMD) Systems Test Method
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill - Martyn's Law - has been introduced to Parliament, requiring those responsible for public premises and events to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate mitigation measures
NPSA is proud to announce the release of a test standard for this technology – Discriminative Threat Detection (DTD) Systems Test Method
Intermediate Level
Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems is a generic term which covers a wide range of technologies designed to provide advance warning of an intruder gaining access to a secure area
An introduction for Local Authorities, Event organisers, and similar end user groups on using temporary Vehicle Security Barriers (VSBs) as part of a HVM scheme - which itself should be one piece of a wider security plan.
This guidance highlights the primary security concerns arising during the ingress and egress phases of venue operations, outlining various strategies for mitigating the related risks.
Guidance covering a wide range of topics that will help keep your public premises and events safe and secure, intended both for security managers and other managers whose responsibilities include security
Guidance for organisations’ senior leaders, highlighting the importance of senior leadership in achieving effective security
NPSA has recently updated its guidance on the use of private sector explosives detection dog services
In conjunction with technology developers, end user site owners and operators, government stakeholders and independent experts, NPSA has produced a Discriminative Metal Detection (DMD) Systems Test Method.
Bulk deliveries can provide a means for getting explosives, weapons and other threat items through a site’s secure perimeter.
Terrorists and others wishing to cause harm or disruption have long used postal and courier services to deliver hazardous items to target recipients.
Screening vehicles can help reduce the likelihood of explosive devices, weapons and other hazardous or prohibited items or materials being brought into buildings or onto sites
NCST are highly functional computers which are connected to a network and need to be suitably protected
Guidance to highlight the primary security concerns arising during the ingress and egress phases of venue operations
Screening people and their belongings at entry points helps reduce the likelihood of explosive devices, weapons, and other hazardous or prohibited items being brought into buildings or sites
Data centres are a valuable target for threat actors seeking to steal data or disrupt operations and services. Data centre operators should assume that a cyber compromise is inevitable. We advise taking steps to detect intrusions and minimise their impact and preventative cyber security measures.
At the data centre’s heart, data halls are where your servers are located. No matter how secure the data centre, as a customer, it is your responsibility to ensure sufficient controls are in place to limit who might be able to access your networking equipment.
Data centres operators and their customers should both have individual risk management strategies designed to protect their critical assets and systems.
Data centres operators and their customers should both have individual risk management strategies designed to protect their critical assets and systems.
Vulnerabilities in the physical security of the data centre in which your data is stored may leave data at risk. Data centre owners should be able to demonstrate a robust layered approach to physical security at their sites, including perimeter and buildings.
Advanced Level
Gunshot detection systems typically comprise of sensors (optical and/or acoustic) that accurately and reliably detect live ammunition (gunshots) being discharged
NPSA have developed this guidance as we often see security being considered too late in the design process where the physical security measures conflict with the design aspirations
The purpose of this document is to support those tasked with drafting, developing or reviewing policies and procedures for evacuation, lockdown and invacuation
Guidance to provide high level, practical advice to anyone looking to formulate a Site Security Plan, assisting in developing a proportionate plan which aims to mitigate Terrorist and State threats, whilst supporting in countering many other types of security or safety threats.
A suite of documents intending to guide managers in the selection, procurement and management of appropriate body armour for their civilian security staff
All Levels
A well-run control room can provide the fundamental principles of Deter, Detect and Delay
Security officers play a crucial role in the protection of an asset and consideration of their safety and protection is needed
Best practice guidance for communications professionals on the preparation and management of threats from hostile actors
Automatic Access Control Systems (AACS) provide detection and audit to limit who can go where.
NPSA undertake a number of functional evaluation schemes for automated access control products
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) is a system in which images are monitored and recorded for surveillance and security purposes. NPSA have updated the page to include a new Introduction to CCTV video
Security lighting plays an important part of any site’s security regime. Good quality and well planned lighting will assist your guard force
A tracking system can assist and aid the response force following initial detection of intrusion.
Locks, technology & control rooms can help control who can go where and when. These systems integrate with physical barriers to provide delay and detection against a multitude of attackers.
Updated guidance on Intrusion Detections Systems (IDS) is now available. IDS are sited within a building and offer out of hours protection when the building or buildings are locked at night
The overarching objective of the FARM project is to seek and identify materials capable of improving the forcible attack resistance of security products against modern tools
This page and guidance documents provide information on assuring safety systems so they are also secure
Entry points into a building provide the first impression to staff and visitors of both the business and the site security posture
Advice on the use of active access delay systems which can disorient and delay attackers from entering the site(s)
This series is for anyone working in the election space, including but not limited to central or local government officials, candidates, campaigners, returning officers and polling station staff
Effective security risk management requires an organisation to have defined governance and oversight of protective security management systems.
Locks and locking hardware need to provide security against forcible and/or surreptitious attack
