Our AEOS physical access control system is approved by the NPSA and has both CAPSS and AACS certification. But what does that mean? And why should you consider an NPSA-approved, CAPSS-certified, AACS-certified access control system for your organisation?
What is NPSA?
NPSA stands for National Protective Security Authority and is the UK government’s national technical authority for physical and personnel protective security. The NPSA is evolved from what was formerly known as the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), having absorbed the CPNI’s responsibilities. It’s part of the Security Service (MI5) and maintains expertise in counterterrorism, as well as state threats.
The NPSA has one clear mission: to make the UK less vulnerable and more resilient to national security threats. And it’s expanded its reach to a wider, more diverse range of people and sectors, including science and technology, public places, research and academia, as well as critical national infrastructure. The NPSA has also upgraded its CAPSS certification to reflect the ever-increasing cybersecurity threats to physical security.
What is CAPSS?
CAPSS stands for Cyber Assurance of Physical Security Systems. It’s a critical programme within NPSA that includes a standard and guidance. The main aim for CAPSS is to give security managers confidence that the physical security software and hardware they choose can effectively mitigate the risk of cyberattacks.
Why do you need NPSA-approved, CAPSS-certified physical security?
UK sites classified as critical infrastructure, where deep encryption standards are paramount, can deploy approved physical security to provide the security levels needed. An NPSA-approved automatic access control system has an intrinsic level of protection, obtained as a result of an assurance process. CAPSS-certified products take this a step further by meeting even more stringent standards.
NPSA evaluates both systems and components for inclusion in the Catalogue of Security Equipment (CSE), which includes a CAPSS-approved section. Two NPSA classification systems – class rating and protection level – are used, depending on the nature of the threat and the asset (assets can refer to people, buildings, equipment or information).
Why select AEOS when choosing an NPSA-approved, CAPSS-certified access control system?
The key benefits of choosing AEOS access control:
- AEOS is already a GOVPASS-approved access control system (more info on GOVPASS found here).
- An extensive network of certified partners to support the implementation and maintenance of AEOS systems.
- Highly scalable: with AEOS, you can expand gradually by adding different integrations and locations, because the architecture is designed to scale with your organisation’s needs.
- Always up-to-date: AEOS software updates ensure support for the latest technologies, features, and security.
- End-to-end physical access control solution from the door to the server cluster, for optimal cybersecurity (more info on cybersecurity found here).
Need to secure a risk-critical site in the UK?
AEOS allows you to integrate systems such as video management systems, biometrics, elevators, key cabinets, PSIM and wireless locks.
Equipment tested:
- AEOS central server application software
- AEOS Blue Door Controller (module)
- AEOS Blue I/O Interface (module)
- SAM for AEOS Blue door controller
- Invexs card reader with keypad and screen
- Invexs card reader with keypad
- Convexs card reader
Speak to Michael Lee, expert about NPSA Compliance.
