When people typically think of cybersecurity, they think of firewalls, passwords, and a software update. But every effective digital defense system has physical hardware that makes it work, such as servers, routers, and wires. The physical hardware is what the network is actually built upon, and if any of that physical hardware is compromised, the powerful digital defenses will also be compromised. Physical security of devices is typically unrecognized as a notional asset to data security. In actuality, it would make a more significant contribution to the overall data security plan.
Failure to implement physical security will expose the physical facility to inherent risks of theft, tampering, or accidental damage from the environment. Missing from your device or unsecure server racks means that unauthorized access to the confidential data is easily attainable without ever having to defeat complex digital defensive means. Adherence to normal facilities best practice is the protection of this layer, including, but not limited to, organization, locking down access to those designated to view the data, and providing a stable and working condition of hardware. The longer the physical safe harbor of the hardware, the more substantial the security solution becomes for protecting your cloud, on-prem, or software solution and deter any risk from attacking your organization from physical presence or virtual.
Understanding Physical Threats
While cyber attacks are often in the news, physical threats can be just as damaging. Servers, modems, and routers can all be stolen, burned, flooded, or dropped. When these devices malfunction, so do networks. If a compromised unit exposes private data, whether citizens, customers, or proprietary information, it can disrupt service by halting operations.
This is why organizations are just as diligent in physical protection as they are in IT security. Locked rooms, temperature control and monitoring, and video surveillance are all great ways to keep hardware safe.
As for off-site storage, for instance, businesses usually have some storage near north prince st clovis to store back up hardware or preferred devices that may not currently be in use. Controlled environments can guard against both the human threat and environmental threat of a static location, which may affect devices left unattended.
Myth vs reality: Many people believe that physical cybersecurity is just for businesses. Primarily, that is false. You do not have to have a business in order to be a target of a breach. All physical locations face the same risk of being breached if hardware is left unattended. A router can be stolen or damaged, which could easily disrupt the operational capacity of any organization or homeowner.
Protecting Network Devices
All hardware in a network deserves equal treatment; from your smallest adapter to the largest server. Hardware safety begins with awareness – know what your hardware inventory is, where it lives, and who you allow to access it. Labeling devices, keeping an inventory current, securing all ports and cables is not just the safe thing to do (and preferred), but it can help establish safety and some sense of organization.
For any asset that isn’t meant to be accessed, putting several locks of a rack or a cabinet specifically designed to house servers can help dissuade your aunt, or anyone else from giving in to temptation. Adding back up power supplies and surge protectors can help give you a peace of mind with immediate power outages or device or electrical damage. Taking the time to schedule regular maintenance, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually to clean dust and inspect connections and service codes can help eliminate performance issues and downtime.
The best thing that an organization can do is think of network devices the same way they think about valuable assets instead of tools that run behind the scenes. Very small and consistent things like labeling, monitoring and securing equipment, and testing practices are all small proactive measures that can go a long way to build reliability over time, which ultimately provides safety as a result of it being faster and more reliable.
Controlling Access Points
Unauthorized access is an important weakness in network security; however, it is also one of the easiest to manage. Reducing risk starts with managing who gets to your equipment physically. The chance of unauthorized access, tampering, or theft can be significantly reduced by simply having a policy.
How do I secure physical access to my network hardware?
Secure access to server rooms and equipment storage areas through keycards, codes, or biometric locks. Limit access to trusted personnel, and log all access.
Why is physical access control important for security?
Because although firewalls work great, they won’t stop an attacker who can get to your hardware directly. If a hacker has access to your hardware, they can bypass all of your software defenses. A lockable room or closet is often the best first line of defense for your hardware.
Best practices for small offices or home setups?
Keep your router, modem, and external drives out of public spaces and view. You can also route them to a locked cabinet or drawer.
By taking this physical access control seriously you will strengthen every layer of your cyber security foundation.
Monitoring and Maintenance Systems
It’s important to care for your equipment as much as it is to protect it. Routine inspections of hardware will help you identify problems early as well as keep devices functioning properly and efficiently. As noted, systems of monitoring will give the user prior notice of when the system is experiencing overheating, inconsistent power sources, or mechanical degradation, resulting in critical downtime.
Here are a few quick things you can do to help:
- Monthly review of hardware.
- Install monitoring software to help with temperature and performance.
- Replace damaged cables quickly.
- Keep downdraft vents and fan intake clear of debris.
- Take regular backups of important data.
By consistently performing these small tasks, you will add to the life of your equipment and prevent unnecessary failures that can cost money.
Things you need to avoid doing include skipping hardware reviews, putting equipment in close vicinity of heat sources, and ignoring hardware warning signs or symptoms (on a side note, this is the same for your body!). Consistent maintenance of your hardware is the easiest way to protect your investment in your network hardware.
Combining Physical and Cyber Layers
A small technology firm learned about physical protection augmenting cybersecurity when their main router was damaged due to a power surge that exposed sensitive project data. They utilized encryption and password systems, yet the lack of physical protection — surge protection devices and proper ventilation — caused a critical failure in those protections. Upon the failure, the company shifted their whole MO. They invested in a climate-controlled room, surge suppressors were installed, and all networking gear was put into locked cabinets.
Within a few months, uptime levels returned to normal, downtime after seasons of weather extremes significantly lower, and employee confidence improved that systems were up and running or stable. The IT manager noted that the new practices did not just physical protect the gear, but rather he felt everyone committed to a protective practice or accountability knowing their part or role is also to physically protect other (digital and physical) assets.
Experts often remind us that “physical protection” consideration for all cybersecurity design is not complete without physical protection. Just as software protection prevails over a virtual breach, environmental equipment care prevents physical damage. These two layers create a network both can withstand digital threats, as well as environmental threats we might not consider if we’ve never experienced a continued metered response during the storm.
Benefits vs risks: physical security lowers rate of data breach, lowers downtime rate, and extends the life of expensive equipment. Conversely, neglecting physical security increases risk of hardware failure, data compromised, and unexpected financial loss. The benefits of physical security combined with system-generated software will denote a good amount of ease and clarity — you’re ensuring a “whole defense system” for your data, reputation, and stability for business survival.
Building a Culture of Vigilance
Hardware security goes beyond IT or technical function, and represents an attitude and belief system that everyone in the workplace should adopt. When employees understand how small actions affect security (for example, closing the door behind them or reporting bad behavior), protecting the business becomes automatic.
When it comes to protecting both the hardware behind your network, you should be investing in resilience. Every piece of hardware that is adequately secured, even it it is not an intended hardware security measure, adds additional power to your overall digital security strategy. Even if the neglected layer of cyber security is physical cyber security, the impacts last beyond yourself.
