Site Security Manager (SSM) Practice Exam

A common type of intrusion detection system is the motion sensor. Motion sensors are designed to detect movement in a specific area, which is a key function of intrusion detection. When an intruder enters a monitored space, the motion sensor activates and can trigger an alarm or alert security personnel. This detection capability makes them essential for maintaining site security by identifying unauthorized access.

While alarm systems, access control systems, and surveillance cameras each play important roles in overall security, they are not categorized as intrusion detection systems in the same way that motion sensors are. Alarm systems send alerts based on input from sensors, access control systems manage who can enter certain areas, and surveillance cameras provide visual monitoring rather than detecting movement per se. This distinction emphasizes the primary role motion sensors serve in identifying intrusions directly through movement detection.