Public utilities are crucial infrastructure for public welfare.  Threats to these facilities range from opportunistic theft and vandalism to asymmetric acts of terrorism, potentially resulting in social turmoil and mass-scale health hazards. 

Power utilities are distributed systems comprising generation plants, lines, and substations.  A targeted attack on any of these components can leave vast areas without electricity, causing havoc and putting lives at risk.  Water utilities are of equal, if not higher, importance, as an intruder contaminating a facility can lead to catastrophic results — or worse, such malevolent acts can be carried out gradually over time. 

Unfortunately, targeted intrusion attempts on these vital assets have increased in recent years.  Given the ease with which criminals can penetrate these often-isolated facilities and the widespread damage a single intrusion can cause, it is clear that the highest level of security is of paramount importance.  Therefore, a reliable perimeter intrusion detection system is an essential component of a broader, efficient security strategy.