Physical Security Flashcards
In detail, provide the definition of physical security.
Physical security refers to the measures taken to protect the physical assets of an organization, such as its hardware, infrastructure, and data storage devices, from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or destruction. This includes the protection of physical spaces, such as data centers, server rooms, and network closets, as well as the devices and equipment within those spaces.
Physical security measures can include the use of locks, access controls, security cameras, alarm systems, and other physical barriers to prevent unauthorized entry or tampering. It can also involve monitoring and controlling access to the organization’s physical assets, such as servers, routers, and other network devices, to ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed to make changes or access sensitive information.
Physical security is an important aspect of overall computer system security, as it helps to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s critical data and infrastructure. Without proper physical security measures in place, cybercriminals could potentially gain access to an organization’s systems and data through physical means, such as stealing a laptop or USB drive containing sensitive information, or physically tampering with network equipment to gain unauthorized access.
What are some examples of physical security to protect computer system security assets?
Secure physical locations: This includes securing doors, windows, and other entry points to facilities that house sensitive data, as well as limiting access to authorized personnel.
Surveillance cameras: Installing security cameras in and around the facility can provide an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
Access controls: Access controls such as keycard systems, biometric scanners, and pin codes can be used to ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed access to specific areas.
Backup power supply: Backup power supplies such as generators can be used to ensure that critical systems remain operational in the event of a power outage or other natural disaster.
Environmental controls: Ensuring that systems are kept in a temperature-controlled environment can prevent damage to hardware and data.
Asset tracking: Tagging and tracking devices can be used to track the location of equipment such as laptops, servers, and other critical assets.
Data destruction: Securely disposing of old hardware and data storage devices ensures that sensitive data cannot be recovered by unauthorized individuals.
What are some of the important issues and concerns when selecting a physical security measure?
Threat assessment: Before selecting a physical security measure, it is important to conduct a thorough threat assessment to identify the potential risks and vulnerabilities that the measure will address.
Cost: Physical security measures can be expensive to implement and maintain, so it is important to consider the cost implications and ensure that the measure provides an appropriate return on investment.
Scalability: The physical security measure should be scalable, meaning that it can be expanded or reduced in size as needed to meet the changing needs of the organization.
Integration: The physical security measure should be able to integrate with the organization’s existing security systems and infrastructure, to ensure that all security measures work together seamlessly.
Compliance: The physical security measure should comply with any relevant laws, regulations, or industry standards that apply to the organization.
Usability: The physical security measure should be easy to use and maintain, to minimize the risk of errors and ensure that it is used correctly by authorized personnel.
Effectiveness: The physical security measure should be effective in mitigating the identified risks and vulnerabilities, and should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains effective over time.
Provide an example of a physical security measure that was based on threat assessment.
A company that stores sensitive customer data might conduct a threat assessment to identify the risks of data breaches or theft. Based on this assessment, they may choose to implement access controls such as biometric scanners or keycard systems to limit access to sensitive areas.
Provide an example of a physical security measure that was based on cost.
: A small business might consider implementing security cameras to monitor their premises, but they must consider the cost of purchasing and installing the cameras, as well as the ongoing cost of monitoring and maintaining the system.
Provide an example of a physical security measure that was based on scalability.
An organization that plans to expand in the future might choose a physical security measure that can be easily scaled up or down as needed, such as access controls that can be added to new doors or expanded to cover additional areas.
Provide an example of a physical security measure that was based on compliance.
A healthcare organization might choose a physical security measure that complies with Ministry of Health regulations, such as secure storage for medical records or access controls to limit who can view patient information.
