Commercial security acronyms – a cheat sheet

In the fast-paced world of commercial security, there are many acronyms that are commonly used by professionals in the industry. These acronyms can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them, so we've put together this guide to help you understand the most used acronyms in the commercial security industry.

1. CCTV – Closed Circuit Television: This refers to a system of cameras and monitors used for video surveillance and security purposes.
2. DVR – Digital Video Recorder: This is a device that records video footage from CCTV cameras for later viewing.
3. NVR – Network Video Recorder: This is a digital recording device that stores video footage from IP cameras.
4. IP – Internet Protocol: This refers to a type of digital camera that transmits video footage over an internet network.
5. PIR – Passive Infrared: This refers to a type of motion sensor that detects changes in infrared radiation and is commonly used in security systems.
6. RFID – Radio Frequency Identification: This is a technology used to identify and track objects using radio waves.
7. LAN – Local Area Network: This refers to a network of computers and devices that are connected to each other within a limited geographical area, such as an office building.
8. WAN – Wide Area Network: This refers to a network of computers and devices that are connected to each other over a larger geographical area, such as the internet.
9. VPN – Virtual Private Network: This is a secure way to connect to a network over the internet, often used by remote workers or for secure communication between different locations.
10. PPE – Personal Protective Equipment: This refers to equipment worn to protect individuals from hazards in the workplace, such as helmets, gloves, and safety glasses.
11. DDoS – Distributed Denial of Service: This is a type of cyber attack that involves overwhelming a network or website with traffic, making it unavailable to users.
12. AES – Advanced Encryption Standard: This is a type of encryption used to secure data transmission and protect against cyber attacks.
13. SSL – Secure Sockets Layer: This is a protocol used to secure data transmission over the internet, commonly used for secure transactions on e-commerce websites.
14. IDS – Intrusion Detection System: This is a system that monitors a network for signs of unauthorized access or malicious activity.
15. IPS – Intrusion Prevention System: This is a system that actively blocks unauthorized access or malicious activity on a network.
16. ACS – Access Control Systems: An Access Control System is a security system that manages and regulates access to a physical space, device, or resource by controlling who is allowed to enter, exit, or access it. An Access Control System can be as simple as a lock and key or as complex as a multi-layered security system that uses advanced technology such as biometric identification, smart cards, and proximity sensors.

By familiarizing yourself with these commonly used industry acronyms, you can better understand the terminology used in the commercial security industry and communicate more effectively with professionals in the field. Security 101 offers a full range of commercial security professional services to our business customers in the Bay Area & Sacramento. We help to protect our client's people, property & profits.