The greatest challenge that the energy sector faces in modern times is how to meet the continuously changing risk factors and addressing all of the necessary security aspects. Considering their unique infrastructure, expensive and sensitive materials onboard, and sometimes even classified national assets, energy facilities and critical infrastructures will always be subject to varied security threats.
With hundreds of oil refineries, nuclear power plants, research reactors and fuel cycle facilities in operation worldwide, preventing certain materials from falling into the hands of adversaries or threat elements who seeks to steal or even harm the station operators is the top priority of the corporations’ security teams.
Use of explosive devices in energy sector attacks
The overwhelming majority of attacks (74%) on energy targets, between 2010 and 2014, were carried out by the use of explosive devices, while facility and infrastructure attacks, including arson and sabotage tactics, were the second most common (CEI Security Stakeholder Group Manifest).
In April 2013, terrorists used high-powered rifles to destroy several transformers at a transmission substation in California in an incident that incurred more than US$ 15 million in damages and required nearly a month to restore.
Robust layer-upon-layer security network
Energy plants are among North America’s most protected private sector facilities
Still, energy plants are among North America’s most protected private sector facilities. They are extremely robust structures that, by design and construction, are very challenging to penetrate. These structures, a well-trained security force and strict access controls for operators and visitors provide a robust layer-upon-layer comprehensive security network.
The security level increases as one gets closer to the ‘owner-controlled area’, which is fenced and secured by advanced systems and well-armed security officers. This security ring typically shields the reactor, the control room, the used fuel pool and the central security alarm stations.
The systems provide:
- High-quality scanned images,
- Smart compare capabilities for the inspection of recurring vehicles,
- Fraud prevention tools backed by a unique vehicle ID,
- Full integration to barriers, bollards and access control systems,
- Automatic detection of illicit materials or unauthorised access on the first pass,
- COVID-19 compatible: Driver and passenger fever detection capabilities.
Helios UVIS by UVeye
Access to the owner-controlled area should be limited and protected by an automated access control system that integrates with the alarmed security doors and response system connected to federal or local law enforcement agencies, which can assist in the event of an attack.
Helios UVIS by UVeye helps ensure that all measures are taken to control vehicles’ access to sensitive energy facilities and protect them from such risks. Helios UVIS is designed to detect illicit materials being smuggled in, prevent theft, and thwart unauthorised access or other malicious acts in and around the secured facility.
UV Inspect, advanced vehicle pass solution
UV Inspect can be used for vehicles that have not been previously scanned by a system
Offering single- or multi-lane units, as well as stationary or mobile units, UVeye’s advanced deep learning algorithms were developed through training with millions of vehicles and allow UVeye to offer its first pass solution, UV Inspect.
Built on a truly intimate understanding of what a wide range of vehicles are supposed to look like in various environmental conditions, UV Inspect can be used for vehicles that have not been previously scanned by a system. UVeye is the only under-vehicle inspection system (UVIS or UVSS) vendor to offer a verified first-pass solution that significantly increases security teams’ effectiveness.
UV Compare, license plate or fingerprint ID recognition
Another key feature from Helios is called UV Compare, which enables it to recognise previously scanned vehicles by their license plate or unique undercarriage fingerprint ID, and compare it to previous scans.
Individuals who are granted access to the facility or protected area, whether they are employees, contractors or visitors, become part of this database. This feature can also help detect tiny objects such as paper bags, phones, miniature hard disks and other contraband.
Securing confidential materials
Due to their complex environment and sensitive information, energy sites are a target for technology and data theft scenarios. The physical protection of energy plants and associated facilities must include vehicle access point inspection to ensure these security systems’ effectiveness against defined risk factors by UVeye’s tailored security level, answering a wide range of security requirements.
Given the industry’s unique work conditions and the varied types of vehicles accessing these facilities, Helios can withstand up to 40,000 pounds (20 tons) per axle, meaning that it will survive being driven over by even massive vehicles like trucks or SUVs.
Durable with built-in thermal sensor
Helios is also designed to respond to weather variation, such as daily changes in temperature
Helios is also designed to respond to weather variation, such as daily changes in temperature, storms and weather hazards. It is fully operational at temperatures between 68°F and 104°F (20° and 40° Celsius) and is IP 68/54 compliant, meaning it offers full protection against sand, dust and rain.
UVeye’s built-in thermal sensor can detect the body temperatures of the passengers in vehicles entering the site’s access roads, assuring the safety and security of everyone in and around the facility.
Multi-layer access control security
UVeye fully supports third-party integration and provides multiple layers of security for any facility. Integrations available and made in the past include:
- ALPR System
- Face Detection/Recognition
- Arm Barriers/Bollards
- VMS (Video Management System)
Centralised data management system
Centralised management system allows the client to access multiple systems and manage historical data
Integrating to the centralised server provides the capability of connecting multiple systems or lanes across different sites, while also enabling central management and control via one screen. The centralised management system allows the client to access multiple systems and manage the other users and historical data.
The undercarriage is one of the most critical parts of the vehicle to inspect and one of the most challenging areas to examine. Helios is the perfect solution to prevent any weapons or other illegal and dangerous items from entering energy facilities.
Enhanced data security
Integrating it with additional security and access control systems can provide a multi-layered approach to tighten the entry and exit points to any sensitive site while keeping personnel and data safe.
- Network / IP
- Biometrics
- Counter surveillance
- Remote video surveillance
- IP video surveillance
- Electronic security systems
- Physical security
- Perimeter security
- Factory security
- Power plant security
- Public sector security
- Security management
- Security policy
- Security access systems
- Facial recognition systems
- Network monitoring
- Vehicle tracking
- Asset tracking
- Electronic access control
- Fingerprint recognition
- Fingerprint reader
- Fingerprint scanner
- Building security
- Facility security
- License plate recognition
- Network cameras
- Door security
- Door access control
- Security software
- IP Surveillance
- Thermal imaging
- Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)
- IP security solutions
- Counter terror
- Integration software
- Perimeter protection
- Cyber security
- Crime prevention
- Video Management System
- Outdoor Security
- Indoor Security
- Data Security
- Oil & Gas Security
- Security Assessments
- Cloud security
- Mobile access
- Video surveillance
- COVID-19
- Touchless Security
