In a world where cyber threats, data breaches, and industrial espionage are universal risks, choosing a solution that complies with government regulations is vital for cyber and physical security.
Governments play a crucial role in establishing cybersecurity and physical security industry standards. To meet standards issued by nations, security manufacturers must produce solutions capable of passing rigorous testing to ensure the highly sensitive activities of organizations can proceed in confidence. Achieving these compliances is a testament to a manufacturer's ability to protect against a bombardment of both physical and cyber threats.
That's where the UK's National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) comes into the picture. In this article, we look at the NPSA and its overarching impact on national security standards.
Importance of upholding national security standards
Upholding national security standards is critical in safeguarding a nation's critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and overall security. It ensures that organizations and government agencies have the necessary measures in place to combat evolving security threats. By adhering to these standards, businesses and government entities can enhance their resilience against potential security breaches and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.
What is the NPSA?
As national security remains a top priority, understanding the pivotal role of the NPSA is essential.
NPSA is the UK's National Technical Authority for Physical and Personnel Protective Security, working to make the UK less vulnerable and more resilient to national security threats. From evaluating and mitigating security risks to implementing protective measures, the NPSA's influence resonates across various sectors.
Working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and UK National Authority for Counter Eavesdropping (UK NACE), the NPSA continues to develop protective security guidance for government and industry. The work they provide helps to keep citizens safe, protects the economy, infrastructure and industry advantages, and developments in science and technology.
What is the function of the NPSA?
The NPSA helps organizations understand and minimize the range of threats faced by the UK, including steps they can take in their daily operations to reduce the risk of incidents including; terrorism, espionage, and state actors.
Working closely with key partners including; government departments, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the Police, the NPSA helps organizations identify and mitigate security risks by implementing practical protective security measures.
The NPSA’s world-class research and development program offers guidance, training and advice in accordance with MI5’s expert understanding of potential threats.
What are the NPSA Standards?
NPSA standards are awarded to products and solutions that have been independently tested and have achieved a performance rating in accordance with standards set by the NPSA.
Solutions and products that meet the stringent testing process are then eligible to be featured on the NPSA’s Catalogue of Security Equipment (CSE). The CSE provides a range of products that have been evaluated against specific NPSA security standards and the performance rating achieved. The CSE is available to help security practitioners identify appropriate physical security equipment for their site.
Gallagher's high security solutions are among those listed on the CSE with the following standards;
The Automatic Access Control Solutions (AACS) 2022 standard provides assurance that the featured software and hardware meets the most stringent physical and cybersecurity requirements for sites, including those home to critical national infrastructure (CNI).
Gallagher became the first manufacturer to achieve the latest AACS 2022 standard for their Command Centre and High Security Controller 6000 in October 2023. Receiving the standard acknowledges Gallagher’s commitment to providing high security solutions to sites, including those of national significance and part of the Five Eyes Alliance.
As a manufacturer of their own equipment, Gallagher offers a full-service solution, with the assurance that all their products used in the AACS process are compliant in accordance with government standards. To obtain the AACS 2022 standard, a product must also hold CAPSS approval.
The Cyber Assurance of Physical Security Systems (CAPSS) 2021 standard has been jointly written by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and NPSA and covers both physical and cybersecurity standards. It is designed to assist organizations to focus on key areas when protecting against cyber-attack threats.
The CAPSS standard is coupled with assurance of a manufacturers development and build processes to ensure cyber defense is a key building block in any product’s DNA.
Gallagher was also the first manufacturer to achieve CAPSS 2021 for their Command Centre and High Security Controller 6000 in March 2021. Receiving the CAPSS approval acknowledges Gallagher’s commitment to the delivery of high security solutions for CNI sites and governments in the Five Eyes alliance.
Gallagher has a proven history and reputation in the delivery of high security solutions around the globe, meeting some of the world’s most stringent physical and cybersecurity government standards.
Within the CSE, Gallagher sits across the Access Control Equipment, CAPSS Approved, and Detection and Tracking Systems categories. Gallagher’s Z10 Tension Sensor was added in 2021.
Compliance and certification processes under NPSA
Compliance with NPSA standards involves a rigorous process that requires thorough assessment and validation of security solutions and practices. Manufacturers and service providers seeking certification must undergo comprehensive testing and evaluation to demonstrate their products' ability to meet the prescribed security requirements.
The certification process comprises detailed inspections, vulnerability assessments, and adherence to specific security protocols. Upon successful completion, certified entities receive official recognition of their compliance, affirming their commitment to upholding national security standards.
Gallagher's NPSA approved security solutions
Gallagher's specialized high security solutions enable organizations to protect what's important by creating controlled, safe spaces that meet uncompromising security standards.
As a manufacturer with the CAPSS 2021 standard, this compliance standard assures Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sites that Gallagher's software and hardware meet the most stringent cyber security requirements, providing every organization that uses the Gallagher solution with confidence they have the industry's most up to date and cyber-resilient security platform.
Similarly, the AACS standard provides sites, including those home to CNI with the assurance that specified Gallagher software and hardware meets the most stringent physical and cybersecurity requirements.
The role of the National Protective Security Authority is paramount in ensuring the resilience of the UK's security landscape. By setting robust guidelines, facilitating compliance processes, and providing ongoing support, the NPSA contributes to the fortification of the UK's security ecosystem.
As organizations continue to adapt to evolving security landscapes, the NPSA's guidance and oversight will remain pivotal in shaping a secure and resilient future.