Physical Security in Maintaining Network Security

The Role of Physical Security in Maintaining Network Security

March 3, 2022
| Network Security
Although physical security is absolutely critical to maintaining network security, it is among the most often forgotten aspects of protecting a network. Physical security is defined as protecting physical access to your network and all network components, such as computers, servers, and routers. Neglecting physical security can result in serious damage to your business: There are a variety of threats to your network, and physical attacks are among the most serious potential challenges you can face (EC-Council, 2022). Just how vulnerable is your network to a physical attack? In a survey by Morphean (2020), 77% of IT managers stated that their organization’s physical security was not optimized. This is a staggering number that reveals a serious threat. In this article, we’ll cover common physical security threats and explain how to enhance the physical security of your network.

What Are Some Common Physical Security Considerations?

If you are attempting to protect and secure physical access to your network, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Who can access your data?

How many people can access it, and who regulates this access? Unchecked access increases the risk of data theft or abuse (“Unstructured data growth,” 2021).

Where is your data stored?

Is your data in a location that is safe? Is it stored offline (for example, on a flash drive or hard drive that is disconnected from the internet)? Is it online? Is it backed up in the cloud?

How valuable is your data?

You need to determine the value of your data. If your data is particularly high value, you will likely need to enhance your physical security measures accordingly.

How can you ensure real-time alerting and continuous monitoring of data?

This is necessary to identify and address potential theft of computer equipment or unauthorized access at a company computer.

What Are Some of the Primary Threats to Physical Security?

Threats to physical security take many forms (Ahola, n.d.), including:

  • Human error, such as letting unauthorized individuals gain access to the network.
  • Intentional acts of sabotage or corporate espionage.
  • Natural disasters or terrorist attacks that can physically destroy devices or servers.

How Can You Strengthen Physical Security?

You can enhance physical security by engaging in some basic upgrades and training.

  • Encourage appropriate theft protection. Make sure that your organization’s employees are trained on how to prevent and respond to the theft of computers, mobile devices, and other hardware and devices. Ensure that you have an appropriate plan to wipe devices that are stolen, and confirm that your employees know what to do if any sensitive device goes missing from their possession.
  • Allow remote device clearing and location services. Some apps can track devices and enable remote access in the event that they are stolen or go missing. This protects data against unauthorized access by enabling you to clear valuable information from lost or stolen devices.

There is no question that physical security is of the utmost importance in protecting your network security. With proper training and awareness, employees can understand the threats that their businesses face.

EC-Council’s Certified Network Defender (C|ND) training program teaches cybersecurity professionals the skills they need to protect sensitive information on organizations’ networks. The best network security courses allows enrollees to participate in a variety of hands-on labs and instructs learners on a variety of tools and techniques, including how to identify and defend against physical threats to networks. Get C|ND certified today!

References
References

Ahola, M. (n.d.). Top 5 physical security risks—and how to protect your business. Usecure. https://blog.usecure.io/physical-security-risks

EC-Council. (2022). What is network security?https://www.eccouncil.org/network-security/

Morphean. (2020, February 26). 77% of IT managers report physical security is not optimized, Morphean survey reveals [Press release]. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/77-of-it-managers-report-physical-security-is-not-optimized-morphean-survey-reveals-301010574.html

Unstructured data growth increases risk of ransomware and data breaches. (2021, October 6). Security Magazine. https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/96248-unstructured-data-growth-increases-risk-of-ransomware-and-data-breaches

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