What is Turnstile?

Understanding Turnstile

A physical security device that permits only one person at a time to pass through a passageway. Turnstiles are physical access control barriers that restrict entry to one person at a time preventing tailgating and unauthorized access by requiring each individual to present valid credentials before passing. They create a physical enforcement mechanism for access control policies and can integrate with various authentication technologies. Turnstile security is addressed in physical security standards like ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53 PE controls. Organizations implement turnstiles at security boundaries facility entrances sensitive areas and as components of mantrap configurations. For example a data center might install full-height turnstiles at its entrance requiring biometric authentication and card access for entry creating a physical barrier that enforces one-person-at-a-time access effectively preventing tailgating while providing audit logs of all entry events and integrating with the physical access control system. Related terms Physical access control Tailgating prevention Mantrap Physical security Facility security Access control Badge reader Biometric access Security barrier.