Physical Security Threats

 

Physical Security Threats Faced by Organizations

Physical security involves protecting an organization personnel, assets, and facilities from physical threats such as unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, insider threats and environmental hazards. It is a critical aspect of overall security because it helps prevent harm or loss that could disrupt operations, compromise sensitive information, or endanger lives.

 

Protective Measures

Customizing security measures based on the organization's scale and needs is essential. Large companies like Plagonia can afford sophisticated systems, while smaller ones like Magic Memories might opt for cost-effective yet robust solutions.

Large Company

Perimeter Access Control

·       Single point of entry: Centralizing entry for both vehicles and pedestrians reduces vulnerabilities.

·       Visitor Card: A system that issues visitor cards combined with guards who check entry credentials.

·      Guards team: Responsible for the entry, the whole build security conditions and ensuring fire doors and safety installations are in working order 24/7.

·    Automated Gates and CCTV: Automated gates integrated with access control and 24/7 CCTV surveillance.

·       Enhanced Door and Zone Control: Upgrading simple doors between the office and warehouse with pass card or fob-based locks, supplemented by CCTV coverage, ensures that only authorized staff access high-risk areas.

·       Regular Facility Checks: Security personnel should routinely verify key installations (fire doors, emergency exits) to address any weaknesses.

·       Network Port and Systems Security Physical and Logical Controls: Secure network drops by using measures like MAC address filtering (sticky MAC), disabling unused ports, and encrypting critical data streams, ensuring that even physical network ports remain a secure conduit.

Small company

Even with fewer resources, small companies can implement a simple controlled entry point monitored by a single security guard or receptionist to check visitors and record entry.

Few aspects to be considered:

·       Consider a visitor log system or inexpensive electronic locks for key entry points. A small business might not have the resources for a sophisticated fob or electric tag system, but a well-managed manual check combined with simple electronic door locks can suffice

·       For smaller networks that may have fewer ports, basic measures such as locking unused ports, using device identification (MAC filtering), and deploying physical port locks can help secure connections.

·       Create separate networks for business-critical operations and guest or public access to reduce the attack surface.

·       Despite limited budgets, running periodic security audits and emergency drills (for fire and intrusions) helps ensure that the physical security measures in place remain effective over time.