Cost-effective securityAVERT evaluates vulnerabilities, assess solutions
Ares Corp.’s AVERT software tool analyzes the security of a given facility in order to understand vulnerabilities and evaluate the effectiveness of existing and proposed countermeasures; it aims to help users develop security solutions within budget and security constraints; traditional vulnerability analyses rely on subjective judgment and checklists, but the AVERT software applies probabilistic algorithms and Monte Carlo analysis to identify and quantify security vulnerabilities by simulating user-defined attacks against the site to determine worst case paths one or more intruders might take to specific targets
With $123 million in revenue and more than 700 employees in more than 20 offices worldwide, California-based ARES Corporation (Applied Research and Engineering Sciences) is a U.S. engineering, risk management, software/IT, and project management company. AVERT (for Automated Vulnerability Evaluation for Risks of Terrorism) is a software solution provided by ARES for facility security optimization and performs automated vulnerability evaluation for risks of terrorism. This software is the only DHS-certified physical security threat and vulnerability tool.
The AVERT software tool analyzes the security of a given facility in order quantitatively to understand vulnerabilities and evaluate the effectiveness of existing and proposed countermeasures. It helps users develop security solutions within budget and security constraints. This software can be applied to airports, chemical/petrochemical facilities, military bases, seaports, embassies, nuclear facilities, sports arenas, municipal rail/mass transit, homeland security sites, and government buildings.
Functionality
AVERT uses satellite photos or Geographic Information System (GIS) data to visualize aerial, bottom, side, and “fly-through” perspectives in 3D. Model attacks using DoD and DOE validated quantitative data measures effectiveness of proposed enhancements for what-if analyses or trade studies. Automatically determines and plots most effective paths for adversary penetration.
AVERT’s facility model development helps users create and view realistic 3-D site models based on satellite imagery or imported GIS data. Models include locations and characteristics of terrains, natural and manmade barriers, sensors and guards. In contrast to other technologies, users do not need to create complex logic models that significantly abstract the physical world.
In an interview with Homeland Security NewsWire, Jeff Hawley, director of global security solutions said “While a logic model framework can be very rigid and only approachable by subject matter experts and analysts, AVERT allows for the development of detailed site models that are easily recognizable and transparent to analysts, force protection personnel, facility management and stakeholders.”
AVERT models various levels of threats and strategies, from a simple vandal to a multi-team threat with diversionary strategies. For example, an attacker may use two teams – one in a diversionary role, to distract security personnel, with the second team designated as the actual breach team.
An adversary’s senses can also be taken into account, such as eye-sight, hearing acuity, as well as their alertness level and training levels. Terrorists who had researched their intended target would most likely be very alert. AVERT could also model an insider threat who has comprehensive knowledge of a security system, thus always posing the worst
