What is physical data security?

In this article, we explore the importance of physical security, the threats and the ways to protect data from physical risks. We will discuss the importance of facility design, the use of security systems and the role of staff. comprehensive information security implementation.

The aim of the article is to increase understanding of how physical security is part of the security package of a manufacturing facility and how it can be effectively improved.

Definition of physical security

Physical security includes all the means by which an organization's critical information is protected against physical threats. The foundation is the physical structures surrounding the data processing and storage facilities, including the necessary visual and sound barriers and access control.

What is physical security?

Physical security is one of the three key areas of information security for administrative and technical security in addition. The overall main objective of data security is to ensure the confidentiality, availability and integrity of data. Physical information security is responsible for protecting production and work premises and the equipment, physical documentation and information systems located there against various types of physical threats.

Physical security risks can include fires, electrical and water damage, theft, abuse and vandalism. To combat these, physical security measures are designed to prevent unauthorized physical access to computer networks, equipment and other physical material such as workstations, servers, network switches and printed company documents.

The security measures and the extent of the security measures for premises are based on administrative information security objectives, risk assessments, inter-organizational agreements and legislation. This is particularly important when it comes to protecting information classified by public authorities.

From a physical security perspective, it is crucial to carry out careful risk assessments, as the location and design of premises has a major impact on how protection measures can or should be organized. For example, the location layer of the premises, other actors in the building, possible exit routes through the premises for other organizations, and the wall, floor and ceiling structures of the premises can have a significant impact on the security arrangements.

What does physical security involve?

Physical security includes measures to protect important data from various physical threats. These measures include physical structures of data processing and storage areas, visual barriers, soundproofing, and electronic security systems such as camera surveillance, access control, alarm systems, and lock and fire detection systems. In addition, security guard services can be part of physical security. It is important that the use and extent of these systems is based on a risk assessment to ensure that the protective measures are appropriate in relation to the risks identified.

Security solutions for workstations

Physical protection of security-critical workstations is essential to secure the organization's information assets and systems. There are many different ways to do this.

Physical barrier

Workstations can be placed in lockable cabinets or cages that prevent access to the equipment. These structures are designed so that ventilation and cooling are provided, but access to the equipment is impeded.

Locking of gates

USB ports and other connection points can be mechanically locked or protected by special blocking devices that prevent the connection of external devices.

BIOS level restrictions

The BIOS settings for workstations can set restrictions on which devices can boot. However, even preventing USB sticks or other external devices from booting reduces the risk of malware downloads.

Guards and camera surveillance

Strategically placed surveillance cameras and guards can deter potential attackers and provide additional protection for critical areas.

Safety zones

It is advisable to define separate security areas or zones for the premises to be protected to help ensure effective protection. At the heart of such perimeter protection is usually the most important area to be protected, such as a data center or a room where classified information is stored.

The boundaries of secure areas should be protected not only by fixed barriers, such as walls, but also, for example, by access control or locking systems. This will ensure that only those individuals with a genuine need for access can enter the premises. Not only does this help prevent vandalism, damage and misuse, but the existence of boundaries also makes it easier to detect possible anomalies, crime or abuse.

Access management

Key and access control is very important for access control, because no matter how strong a door is, it can easily be opened with the right key. Therefore, access to critical areas may require, in addition to a key or an identifier, the entry of a code.

It is possible that certain visiting procedures may need to be defined for production and premises based on risk assessments. Visitor management is an essential part of physical security and can reduce the likelihood of data breaches and malicious attacks. Visitor policies may include, for example, welcoming visitors to a particular room, escorting them around the premises, visitor badges and visitor registration.

Protection from the elements

Physical safety also includes protection against various conditions, such as fires, water damage and electrical damage. This can be achieved through, for example, adequate ventilation, fire load reduction, fire detection and extinguishing systems and uninterrupted electricity supply. It is important to choose the right solutions for each space and purpose. Building automation systems, such as temperature and humidity control, also play an important role in maintaining physical security in server rooms.

Watch the video Physical Security Part 1: Intro and Site Barriers

How is physical security implemented in the OT network of a manufacturing company?

Production company OT network physical security is particularly important. These networks are used to manage critical processes that affect the safety and production efficiency of the plant.

Implementing physical security in an OT network requires several steps:

1. Risk assessment: The first step is to identify potential physical threats and assess their impact on the business.
2. Physical security design: This includes the design of security systems and processes that respond to identified risks.
3. Implementation: This phase includes the installation and deployment of the selected security solutions.
4. Maintenance and control: Security systems and processes must be monitored and maintained to ensure their long-term effectiveness.
5. Continuous improvement: Physical security must be continuously assessed and improved according to new threats and changing circumstances.

It is also important to understand that physical security is part of an overall security solution, which also includes technical and administrative security. They all need to work together to ensure the most comprehensive and effective security for your business.

Conclusion

Physical security is an integral part of an organisation's security framework. It manifests itself in the day-to-day activities that help protect the organisation's information. Small actions such as locking your workstation when you leave your desk, following the "clean desk" policy, keeping your laptop safe at home, when travelling and at work, and proper handling and storage of documents are an important part of maintaining physical security.

Getting staff to commit to the principles of physical security is key. They need to understand the importance of the guidelines in order to be prepared to follow them. It is therefore important that the guidelines are practical and simple so that they are easy to understand and implement.

Overall, physical security is key to ensuring that an organization's data cannot be accessed or manipulated by unauthorized parties. Day-to-day activities and practices provide an important safeguard against data leaks and other security threats, protecting the organization's information assets and business continuity.