Welcome
Welcome to the Protective Security Catalogue, the authoritative resource for selecting, comparing and understanding protective security measures for people, places and critical assets.
This catalogue supports security planners, risk owners and specifiers in identifying appropriate solutions to a wide range of threats from hostile vehicle attacks to unauthorised access, insider risk, and intrusion attempts. It brings together tested, accredited products and expert guidance to help you build resilient, risk-informed security strategies.
Our content is designed to help you:
- Understand threats and vulnerabilities relevant to your site or event.
- Explore solution options with independent performance information.
- Align solutions with standards, testing and operational requirements.
- Integrate security into design and operational planning.
We focus on protective security, not just perimeter barriers, including access control, detection, delay, response and deterrence.
About Protective Security
Protective security is a holistic discipline that combines risk assessment, planning, physical measures, procedures and people to reduce the likelihood and impact of hostile acts against people and assets.
It incorporates:
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Risk-based planning
Security must start with understanding the specific risks and vulnerabilities of a location or activity. Measures are selected based on that analysis, not one-size-fits-all solutions. -
Physical protective measures
Rated vehicle security barriers (HVM), perimeter fencing, controlled access points, intrusion detection systems, and architectural protective features designed and tested to internationally recognised standards. -
Operational controls
Procedures, trained staff, access control policies and emergency preparedness that ensure security measures are effective and sustainable. -
Standards and testing
All products and systems referenced are evaluated against recognised performance standards (e.g., ISO/IWA, PAS, VADS, ballistic ratings). Independent testing helps ensure you choose solutions with known performance characteristics.
How to Use the Catalogue
1. Assess your risk
Use a structured risk assessment to understand what threats are relevant, what consequences you must mitigate, and what your operational requirements are.
2. Explore security categories
Browse solutions across multiple protective security domains:
- Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM)
- Perimeter and boundary protection
- Access control systems
- Detection and monitoring
- Delay and deterrent systems
3. Compare Options
Each product entry provides performance data, test standards, operational context, and typical applications to support informed decisions.
4. Plan and Integrate
Security measures are most effective when integrated into the wider operational and architectural design of your project.
Protective Security Solutions
Perimeter and Boundary Protection
Beyond HVM, perimeter security incorporates:
- Fencing and walls with intrusion resistance
- Security rated gates and access control interfaces
- Integrated surveillance and monitoring
These elements protect the outer boundary and support layered defence.
Access Control & Detection
Security starts with controlling who and what enters a protected space:
- Electronic access control systems
- Turnstiles, portals and managed entry points
- Intrusion detection and alarm systems
These measures help deter, detect and delay unauthorised entry.
Standards, Ratings & Testing
Selecting the right security solution depends on understanding performance standards. Products in this catalogue reference the most current test regimes from physical barrier impact ratings to intrusion delay standards so you can match a solution to your risk profile.
Support & Guidance
Whether you’re a security manager, architect, event organiser or facilities owner, we provide supporting guidance on:
- Conducting risk assessments
- Writing security specifications
- Integrating protective security into design and operations
Terror Attack Timeline
United Kingdom | Birmingham Pub Bombings
November 1974
Type of attack: Improvised explosive devices (IED)
Impact: 21 killed, 180+ injured
Two bombs exploded in crowded city centre pubs, causing mass casualties and widespread panic.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Crowded public venures require proportioinate security planning, emergency response preparedness, and effective coordination with emergency services.
United States | New York & Washington
September 2001
Type of attack: Hijacked aircraft
Impact: Nearly 3,000 killed, 6,000+ injured
Coordinated attacks using commercial aircraft fundamentally reshaped global security practices.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Protective security must consider unconventional attack methods and apply layered, intelligence-led security across transport and critical infrastructure.
Spain | Madrid Train Bombings
March 2004
Type of attack: Coordinated IED bombings
Impact: 191 killed, 2,000+ injured
Explosive devices detonated on commuter trains during rush hour.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Open transport systems require a balance of deterrence, detection and rapid response, supported by public vigilance and staff training.
United Kingdom | London (7/7 Bombings)
July 2005
Type of attack: Suicide bombings
Impact: 52 killed, 700+ injured
Multiple coordinated attacks targeted London’s public transport network.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Security planning must account for simultaneous or multi-site attacks and ensure effective communication and response capabilities.
France | Nice
July 2016
Type of attack: Vehicle-as-a-Weapon (HGV)
Impact: 86 killed, 400+ injured
A heavy goods vehicle was driven into crowds celebrating Bastille Day.
Protective Security Learning Point:
This attack highlighted the need for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) and effective standoff distances at events and crowded places.
Spain | Barcelona (La Ramba)
August 2017
Type of attack: Vehicle-as-a-Weapon (van)
Impact: 13 killed, 130+ injured
A van was deliberately driven into pedestrians in a busy tourist area.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Pedestrianised spaces require discreet, integrated HVM solutions that balance safety with accessibility and urban design.
Germany | berlin Christmas Market
December 2016
Type of attack: Vehicle-as-a-Weapon (HGV)
Impact: 12 killed, 56 injured
A truck was driven into a seasonal public event.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Temporary and seasonal events require proportionate, often temporary, vehicle mitigation and access management measures.
United Kingdom | Westminster Bridge
March 2017
Type of attack: Vehicle-as-a-Weapon and edged weapon
Impact: 5 killed, 50+ injured
A vehicle attack was followed by a knife attack near Parliament.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Iconic and symbolic locations require layered security, combining physical measures, patrols and rapid armed response.
Sweden | Stockholm
April 2017
Type of attack: Vehicle-as-a-Weapon (truck)
Impact: 5 killed, 15+ injured
A stolen truck was driven into pedestrians in a shopping district.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Urban retail areas benefit from permanent HVM integrated into streetscape design to avoid reactive measures.
United Kingdom | London Bridge
June 2017
Type of attack: Vehicle-as-a-Weapon and edged weapons
Impact: 8 killed, 48 injured
Attackers used a vehicle before continuing on foot in a crowded area.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Protective security should assume attack progression, ensuring measures address both vehicle and pedestrian threats.
United States | New York City
October 2017
Type of attack: Vehicle-as-a-Weapon (truck)
Impact: 8 killed, 12 injured
A truck was driven along a pedestrian and cycle path.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Shared-use public realm spaces require clear vehicle separation and controlled access points.
Canada | Toronto
April 2018
Type of attack: Vehicle-as-a-Weapon (van)
Impact: 10 killed, 16 injured
A rented van was used to target pedestrians.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Low-complexity attacks reinforce the need for passive mitigation and environmental design, not just active security.
United Kingdom | Reading
June 2020
Type of attack: Edged weapon
Impact: 3 killed, 3 injured
An attack occurred in a public park during the evening.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Open spaces require situational awareness, patrol visibility and emergency response planning, even where physical barriers are limited.
Australia | Bondi Junction
April 2024
Type of attack: Edged weapon
Impact: 6 killed, multiple injured
A mass-casualty attack occurred in a busy retail and public environment.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Retail and mixed-use environments benefit from staff preparedness, rapid intervention and clear evacuation procedures.
Australia | Bondi Beach
December 2025
Type of attack: Terrorist incident
Impact: 16 killed, 41 injured
An attack in a high-footfall coastal location reinforced the ongoing global threat to crowded places.
Protective Security Learning Point:
Crowded public locations require risk-based, proportionate security measures, supported by training, planning and public awareness.
In Association With
