Physical security is often overlooked in the grand scheme of cybersecurity, but it’s an essential component that should not be ignored. Physical security controls are put in place to protect against physical access to systems, devices and data centers. Poor physical security can lead to a variety of issues including theft, vandalism and malicious intrusion.
In addition, physical security is a key component of compliance with industry standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Without proper physical security measures in place, it’s easy for malicious actors to gain access to your systems and data. This can lead to data or system breaches, which can leave your business vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here are a few of the ways that bad physical security is killing your business’ cybersecurity:
1. Unsecured Systems and Data Centers:
Unsecured systems and data centers can be easily accessed by malicious actors, allowing them to gain access to sensitive files or other valuable data. In addition, unsecured servers and data centers can be used to launch cyberattacks against other businesses.
2. Poorly Secured Passwords:
Poorly implemented password policies can be exploited by malicious actors, allowing them to gain access to systems and data. An effective security policy should include strong password enforcement, password rotation rules and multi-factor authentication. Maintaining password security can be accomplished by ensuring those passwords are changed every 60-90 days.
3. Lack of Physical Access Controls:
Without proper physical access controls, malicious actors can easily gain access to systems and data. Access control measures should include CCTV surveillance and biometric authentication systems. The physical protocols should always be followed and if they are not, having a back-up system to control access is a must. Without these measures, malicious actors can easily gain access to systems and data.
4. Unmonitored Entry Points:
Unmonitored entry points are a major security risk as they allow unauthorized persons to gain access to your premises. To protect against this, entry points should be monitored and access should only be granted to authorized personnel. If for some reason access is granted, it should be logged and monitored.
5. Poorly Trained Staff:
Without adequate training, your employees can unknowingly put your business at risk. Staff members should be trained on physical security best practices such as proper identification processes for visitors and safe disposal of sensitive documents. A bi-annual or yearly retraining will also contribute to making sure your team is up to date on everything they need to know to help keep up with the cybersecurity of your business.
By taking the necessary steps to secure your premises and systems, you can protect your business from malicious intrusions. Investing in physical security will go a long way towards preventing cyberattacks and protecting your data. Secure your facility today and ensure that you’re doing all you can to keep your business safe.