A method and an apparatus are provided for protecting a secured space. The method includes the steps of providing a secured space including a first secured area and a second secured area accessed through the first secured area, wherein the second secured area has a relatively higher security level than the first secured area, controlling access into each of the first and second secured areas via at least one access controller, and deactivating a portion of the at least one access controller in accordance with a predetermined event and a security level.