When the security ramifications of generative AI and IoT-connected devices command so much of our attention, it can be easy to overlook physical security measures for your business or organization. However, physical security is as important today as it has always been. In fact, ramping up your physical security doesn’t just safeguard your facilities, property, and employees; it also adds a layer of protection for your digital assets. This is particularly true when it comes to access control measures like man trap doors. A simple but effective approach to access control, man trap doors help ensure that potential bad actors never make it past the front door.
The Tailgating Threat
If your business or organization involves building access measures like a swipe card or biometric entry, you’re likely familiar with the concept of tailgating. Also referred to as “piggybacking”, tailgating is when someone who does not have access to a building follows closely behind someone who does. When the authorized person opens the door, the intruder slips in behind them and bypasses the security measures designed to keep them out.
Tailgating is considered a physical security breach and, while it can sometimes be harmless, some tailgaters may use the opportunity to commit theft or property damage. They can even gain access to business hardware or IoT-connected devices, thus opening the door for a major data breach.
Common Targets for Tailgating
Virtually any building that utilizes access control can be a target for tailgating. A few examples include:
- University dorms and facilities
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Office buildings
- Event centers
- Parking garages
- Government buildings
- Dispensaries
The Solution: Man Trap Doors
There are several measures that you can take to protect your business or organization from tailgating, but one of the most effective solutions is man trap doors.
Man trap doors are designed to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to restricted areas. It usually consists of two interlocking doors or gates and usually operates as follows:
- The outer door opens to allow one person to enter.
- Once the outer door opens, the inner door opens only if the person is authorized to enter.
- If an unauthorized person tries to follow closely behind an authorized individual, they will be trapped between the two doors.
Where Can You Implement Man Trap Doors?
While most tailgating occurs at the front entrance of a business or organization, man trap doors can be utilized throughout your facilities to amp up security for restricted areas.
For instance, banks and financial institutions can make use of man trap doors to secure areas where financial transactions, vaults, or sensitive data are stored. Similarly, data centers can use man trap doors to restrict access to server rooms and areas containing critical IT infrastructure.
Other possible places where man trap doors would be beneficial include restricted areas of airports, access points to military facilities, healthcare settings with pharmaceuticals, and high-security research facilities.
The Benefits of Man Trap Doors
Outside of access control, man trap doors offer a variety of valuable advantages for businesses and organizations such as:
Enhanced audit trail and reporting—Modern man trap systems often come equipped with advanced technologies like sensors and cameras, which contribute to creating a comprehensive audit trail. This can be valuable for security personnel to review and analyze access logs.
Reduced security costs—Outside of the initial installation costs, man trap doors contribute to long-term cost savings by preventing security breaches and reducing the need for security personnel to be at all access points at all times.
Visual deterrent—These systems can also serve as a visual deterrent to would-be intruders. Their presence also helps facilitate a security-conscious culture within your business or organization.
Customizable security levels—Man trap systems can be customized to meet specific needs. This allows organizations to adapt access control measures based on the sensitivity of the area and the level of security required.
Protect Your Organization With Man Trap Door Systems from ProTech
At ProTech, we specialize in providing tailored security solutions for businesses, schools, and other organizations in Ohio and Florida. We offer physical security and access control, including man trap door systems, alongside many other security measures to help protect your most valuable assets. Our team of experts has decades of experience in the security industry and we pride ourselves on backing that expertise with the latest in security-based technology.
Are you ready to enhance security for your business or organization? Get in touch with us today to get started.
