Much of the conversation around cybersecurity today is focused on the software and hardware of information networks. We often discuss things like cloud security, encryption, authentication and other technical measures to protect businesses and individuals against cyber threats.
Of course, those are important aspects of cybersecurity. However, there’s another element that’s often overlooked — physical security.
What is physical security?
Physical security includes the tangible elements of a system or network that help protect it from intruders and malicious actors. These include locks, fences, surveillance cameras, intercoms and access control systems.
Physical security measures ensure that only authorized personnel can enter a secure area or access sensitive information.
This is important, because a threat actor who can gain physical access to a system can sometimes bypass many of the software and hardware safeguards on your network. Without sufficient physical security in place, your network is vulnerable.
Why is physical security an important aspect of cybersecurity?
Physical security is an important aspect of cybersecurity for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, physical security helps protect against unauthorized access to sensitive information or areas within an organization.
This could be an external threat who gains access to the premises of your organization and uses it to exfiltrate or destroy data. It could also be an insider threat — potentially a disgruntled or compromised employee — who misuses their access to an organization’s data.
Physical security also helps prevent the theft of valuable equipment, like computers and servers.
Finally, physical security measures can help reduce the likelihood of a physical attack on your organization from malicious actors.
Physical security best practices
Physical security best practices focus on ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas or information.
- Use access control systems to ensure that sensitive areas, such as server rooms, can only be accessed by authorized personnel. Make sure all locks and security systems are in good working order and that they’re regularly tested, maintained and monitored.
- Require all visitors to the premises to sign in and out, and make sure all visitors are escorted by authorized personnel at all times.
- Install surveillance cameras around the perimeter of your premises and in sensitive areas.
- Implement a proactive monitoring and alerting system. If there is no reason that an employee should be physically accessing a server on a weekend, for example, then set up an alert so the security team can investigate.
- Train employees on security protocols they should follow while on the premises and provide regular refreshers. For example, employees should not open secure doors for visitors, nor allow visitors to wander around unescorted.
- Leverage the cloud to make your systems work smarter. For example, Verkada’s enterprise access control suite not only provides end-to-end physical security solutions, but it allows businesses to level-up their security with AI-powered analytics and proactive system monitoring. Verkada’s suite improves productivity and enables enterprises to reduce on-site staffing without compromising on the security of their premises.
Conclusion
Physical security is an important and often overlooked aspect of cybersecurity. By implementing strong physical security measures, organizations can protect their premises and sensitive data from potential malicious actors and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to secure areas.
By following best practices like installing access control systems, surveillance cameras, and providing regular security training for employees, organizations can protect their premises and data from potential threats.
Finally, leveraging the cloud to make your physical security systems smarter can help businesses level-up their security and ensure that all aspects of their network are secure. Need a hand with physical security? Contact Sanity Solutions today to learn more about our physical security solutions.
