Don't forget to check environment for compromising conditions

May 1, 1999 12:00 PM, W. ROBERT CARNES

We were contracted last year by a credit card company to oversee the design and security of a small room at a major airport. The leased room was for personalization and express mailing of replacements for credit cards that had been lost or stolen. The 20x30-foot room, equipped with a small vault and computer embossing equipment, was to be part of the office spaces located in an inventory center for an express air carrier. The parts inventory building - containing more than 100,000 square feet - held shelving and stock ranging from jet engines to nuts and bolts. Twenty employees - from stock clerks to management - worked in the building. The secure room was located in one of the office spaces adjacent to the inventory floor.

After wiring the credit card company's computer equipment and secure communication lines, we had the air carrier install four surveillance cameras and motion detectors, and door and window-break alarms. The security system was wired to the guard station for the entire building. It should be noted that nationwide losses from stolen credit cards are in the billions of dollars. Blank or embossed, new credit card stock sells for anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per card "on the street." The "take" on a card is typically $10,000. Even then, the stolen card might be recycled a year or so later.

On review, the room looked good, ready for sign-off. Access was apparently secure. The staff that was to do the work was examined. Security procedures were written, and the equipment confirmed in working order.However, the perimeter of the room bothered me. I requested the management of the air carrier take me into the adjoining inventory spaces. The area contained tightly spaced aisles with numerous parts bins and stock. Against the wall adjoining the card room was a dirty work bench. Old calendars and stock lists were stapled to the outer framing studs of the interior sheetrock. I pulled down a calendar located opposite the card embossing machine and found a two-inch hole stuffed with a rag. The view into the room was perfect. Out of view of the cameras and with just a little effort, a thief could easily break through and snatch a dozen credit cards, probably more over time. The room was immediately closed and operations suspended.The point is that we sometimes rely on specialized security equipment to protect interiors, even when they are integrated into a larger, supposedly secure complex. Visually examine all aspects of the situation. Look for the unexpected.

ABOUT THE AUTHORW. Robert Carnes is a retired Department of State foreign service officer, diplomatic security. He is owner of the security consulting business W.R. Carnes & Associates Inc., Stamford, Conn.Do you have a story to share? Send it along, and if we print it in the magazine, we will pay you $100. Send entries to: Share Your Story, Access Control & Security Systems Integration, 6151 Powers Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30339.

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