What is Physical Security? Definition & Best Practices

In today’s world, physical security has become a critical part of cybersecurity. However, unsurprisingly, this aspect of cyber security is often overlooked. 

What is Physical Security?

​Physical security refers to the measures taken to protect physical devices and infrastructure that store or process sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. Physical security in cybersecurity involves implementing measures to protect hardware, software, and data from physical threats, such as theft, natural disasters, or sabotage.

​As cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, attacker are also now targeting the physical infrastructure as well. Physical security in cybersecurity is critical because an attack on physical infrastructure can have a significant impact on the organization. For example, if a data center is attacked, it could result in the loss of critical data, system downtime, and significant financial losses.

Physical security in cybersecurity can be broken down into three main categories:

1. Access Control: Access control is the first line of defense in physical security. This involves regulating who can access physical devices and infrastructure.
2. Monitoring and Surveillance: Monitoring and surveillance can help detect and prevent unauthorized access to physical devices and infrastructure. Monitoring and surveillance measures help security teams detect suspicious activity and respond quickly to prevent damage or theft. 
3. Physical Barriers and Locks: Physical barriers and locks are an essential aspect of physical security. Physical barriers and locks are also useful in securing the physical location of devices and infrastructure.

​Best Practices For Physical Security 

Some of the best practices for physical security in cybersecurity include: 

1. Access Control: Implement multi-factor authentication, use key cards or issue passwords to authorized personnel. It’s essential to regularly review access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.
2. Monitoring and Surveillance: Install video cameras, motion sensors, and intrusion detection systems. It’s important to regularly review monitoring and surveillance logs to detect any suspicious activity.
3. Physical Barriers and Locks: Use cable locks or tamper-evident seals to protect physical devices and infrastructure. It's also important to secure the physical location of devices and infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Training and Awareness: Training and awareness are critical in maintaining physical security in cybersecurity. Employees should be trained on best practices for physical security, such as the importance of access control and the proper use of physical barriers and locks. Regular awareness campaigns can also help employees stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
5. Disaster Recovery Planning: Disaster recovery planning is essential in ensuring business continuity in the event of a physical security breach. Best practices for disaster recovery planning include regularly backing up critical data and having a disaster recovery plan in place that includes procedures for restoring data and systems.
6. Regular Testing and Auditing: Regular testing and auditing of physical security measures are essential in ensuring that they are working correctly. Best practices include conducting regular vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), and security audits to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.

​Takeaway

​In conclusion, physical security is an important aspect of cybersecurity that should not be overlooked. By implementing access control measures, monitoring and surveillance, physical barriers and locks, training and awareness, disaster recovery planning, and regular testing and auditing, organizations can protect their physical devices and infrastructure from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. Regularly reviewing and updating physical security measures can help ensure that they remain effective against evolving cyber threats.

Cybersecurity teams should work closely with physical security teams to ensure that all aspects of the organisation's security are working together to protect against cyber threats.

Related Topics:

7 Types of Cybersecurity Measures SMEs Need to Protect Their Business 

What is Network Security? Definition, Threats & Best Practices 

What is Endpoint Security? Definition & Best Practices

​What is Data Security? Definition & Steps to Protect Your Company