Physical Security and Cyber Security – Bridging the Gap

As technology advances and cyber threats become increasingly prevalent, it is easy to focus a great deal more attention on cybersecurity than physical security, although in actual fact, both hold equal importance when it comes to keeping your business, and your data, safe.

The fact is, with threats flowing in from just about anywhere these days, the importance of physical security has never been greater. Any breach of security, no matter its size, can impact upon business in so many ways. From reputational damage to financial losses, and from damaged productivity to reduced staff morale, the reasons for making sure your physical security measures are given the same level of attention as your digital ones are many.

How does physical security work alongside cybersecurity and data protection?

We have a lot to thank technology for. It has boosted productivity, enabled us to work remotely, enhanced collaboration and creativity and generally made so many business processes more streamlined and convenient.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is largely responsible for the major advances we’ve experienced in the digital world. But with IoT, mobile technology and distributed workforces comes a risk. The risk of a data breach.

Cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in keeping systems, networks and devices safe from hackers and cyber criminals. But a comprehensive physical security plan is crucial too. In fact, the two need to work side by side as a converged system if you are going to pull out all the stops to protect your business and its vital data. What you are aiming for is holistic management of your overall security.

What physical security measures should I put in place to protect my company data?

With the right measures in place that bring physical and digital security together, you can work towards reducing the most common threats to business that are so prevalent today.

Server room security

Restrict access to IT zones and server rooms within your premises. Access control and high security locks, preferably a combination of the two, will allow you to set access permissions as well as see a detailed audit trail of who has been in and out of the space. Introducing biometric technology will overcome the risk of cloning that comes with the use of access cards and fobs, or the sharing of entry codes.

Always invest in the most up to date access control technology. Relying on older access control systems may not protect you against the latest cyber threats.

Motion sensors and CCTV will alert you to unauthorised entry to a server room, and CCTV can be integrated with a fire alarm system to help pinpoint the source of a fire before it causes too much damage.

Intruder alarms and smoke screens are other potential security solutions for protecting server rooms.

Introduce multi-factor authentication

If you are using single sign-on access control to grant access permissions to a variety of access points and resources such as main entrances, lifts, restricted zones and digital gateways, introducing multi-factor authentication (MFA) will add another level of protection.

MFA, also known as 2-layer authentication, requires an added verification factor to gain access. Rather than just requiring a username and password, MFA asks for one or more additional factors so that users are required to identify themselves with something that is less likely to be compromised by third parties. The added layer of protection could be biometric, such as a fingerprint or iris recognition, or a one-time passcode delivered to the user’s smart device.

Make access control role based

Role-based access control allows permissions to be set in terms of who has authorisation to access a variety of locations, controls, systems and assets of a business.

Individually assigned permissions make it possible to restrict what a worker at a particular level can access. For example, server rooms; hazardous substance storage areas; website and intranet content management systems and social media platforms; customer relationship management and accounting software, and HR records. Basically anything that if it were to be accessed by unauthorised individuals could lead to devastating data loss or compromise.

Integrate building and security systems

Integrating all the elements of your building management system and security infrastructure will provide you with a more comprehensive view of what is happening across the premises in real time.

This improved flow of critical information allows for a better response across all systems, so when an issue is detected in one area, such as unauthorised access, you can respond immediately. For example, exit points could be shut down, lifts taken out of operation, and CCTV cameras set to record in the detected hotspots.

Looking for physical security solutions that support cyber and digital security and data protection?

Barry Bros Security has been designing bespoke security solutions for businesses for more than seven decades. During this time, we have kept on top of advances in technology so that we are able to deliver the most up to date solutions to our customers. Solutions that are able to tackle the latest threats, physical or digital.

If you are looking to enhance your physical security in order to protect your data, you are welcome to get in touch, or call in to discuss your individual requirements in person with a member of our team at our London showroom.