Do Security Systems Fail Because Of Entropy?
Abstract
Security is implemented to mitigate an organisation’s identified risks, linking layered elements into a system to provide countermeasure by the functions of deter, detect, delay, response and recovery. For a system to maintain its effectiveness these functions must be efficaciously performed in order; however, such systems may be prone to decay leading to security failures. This study used a three-‐phase qualitative methodology to develop an entropic theoretical foundation and to present a model of entropic security decay. Security decay is defined as degradation of the microscopic constituents propagating through the security system as a result of knowledge, cultural or economic factors. Security management should be primarily concerned with managing the entropic processes against commissioned security system levels; however, when decay occurs it is as a bottom-‐up factor. This study suggests security controls should be measurable and be designed, applied, and managed to maintain security system efficacy.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2014
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
Publisher
Argonne National Laboratory
School
School of Computer and Security Science
RAS ID
17921
Copyright
free_to_read
Comments
Coole, M. P., & Brooks, D. J. (2014). Do Security Systems Fail Because of Entropy?. Journal of Physical Security, 7(2), 50-76. Available here