Which of the following is NOT a key element to consider in physical security?

In the context of physical security, the focus is primarily on protecting physical assets, personnel, and facilities from unauthorized access, damage, or interference. To achieve this, several key elements are essential.

Deter is about discouraging potential threats through various means, such as implementing barriers, surveillance, or visible security measures. Authorize refers to granting access to individuals based on their roles, ensuring that only those with appropriate credentials can enter certain areas. Identify involves recognizing individuals or objects in the security context, using methods such as badges, biometric systems, or other identification techniques to confirm legitimacy.

While communication is indeed important in an overall security strategy—for example, ensuring that security personnel and staff can effectively share information—it's not uniquely a key element of physical security in the same way as deterring, authorizing, and identifying are. Therefore, it stands out as the option that is less central to the concept of physical security itself.

In summary, the fundamental aspects of physical security concentrate on deterring threats, authorizing access, and identifying individuals to ensure a safe environment, making communication a less critical element in this specific context.