Target hardening

Target hardening, also referred to simply as hardening when made clear by the context, is a term used by police officers, those working in security, and the military referring to the strengthening of the security of a building or installation in order to protect it in the event of attack or reduce the risk of theft.[1][2] It is believed that a "strong, visible defense will deter or delay an attack".[3]

Security measures taken to protect the Houses of Parliament in London, UK. This hostile vehicle mitigation is a common form of target hardening and is designed to prevent a vehicle being rammed into the building or into people on the pavement next to the building. It also enforces a zone of protective stand-off from any explosive detonation location

In terms of business and home security, target hardening[4] is one of the suite of protective measures that are included in crime prevention through environmental design.[5] This can include ensuring all doors and windows are sourced and fitted in such a way that they can resist forcible and surreptitious intruder attack, adding hard barriers and landscapes that resist vehicle and pedestrian intrusion, adding fences, walls and hostile planting.[6] All of which is greatly assisted by removing or pruning any trees or bushes that could offer suitable hiding places or could be used to climb to a higher level of the property.[2] However, for a business, taking target hardening too far can send the wrong message out to potential customers.[7]

In military or counter-terrorism terms, target hardening refers to ensuring strategic or tactical assets are secured against adversary attack.[8]

Other more specific terms associated with target hardening include hostile vehicle mitigation[9] and "blast hardening".[10]