Page 43 - Security Today, September/October 2024

Playing a Crucial Role By Dan Berg
Physical security technol- ogy plays a crucial role in detecting and pre- venting insider cyber- security threats. While it might seem like a stretch to connect physical security with cyber threats, the two are closely intertwined. Here’s how physical security technology can be lev- eraged to address both external and in- ternal threats.
Access Control Systems
Keycard and biometric systems. Use elec- tronic keycards or biometric authenti- cation (fingerprints, retina scans, facial recognition) to control access to sensi- tive areas. This prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing critical areas where they could potentially tamper with systems or steal data.
Visitor logs. Track and monitor who is entering and exiting secure areas. This can help identify unusual patterns or un- authorized access attempts.
Video Surveillance
Video monitoring. Install surveillance cameras in key areas to monitor activi- ties. Video footage can provide evidence if there is a suspicion of malicious activ- ity or unauthorized access.
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Video analytics: Integrate AI-pow- ered cameras or AI-powered video con- tent analytics to identify individuals and behaviors.
Environmental Monitoring
Temperature and humidity sensors. Mon- itor conditions in server rooms and data centers. Unusual environmental changes could indicate tampering or a setup for a cyberattack.
Physical intrusion detection. Sensors can detect unauthorized physical access to secure rooms or devices, triggering alerts.
Physical Barriers
Secure server rooms. Use physical bar- riers like locked doors and reinforced walls to protect critical infrastructure. This ensures only authorized personnel can access sensitive equipment and data.
Cable locks and enclosures. Secure hardware components with locks and enclosures to prevent tampering or theft.
Secure computers and workstations. Shutting down USB and other ports on a workstation can prevent data theft.
Secure physical network access. Physi- cally disconnect unused network ports and ensure unused ports on switches and routers are shut down.
Employee Monitoring and Training
Behavioral analysis. Monitor employee behavior for signs of insider threats. This can include unusual access patterns or suspicious activities.
Security awareness training. Educate employees about the importance of both physical and cyber security. Training can help prevent unintentional breaches and encourage vigilance.
Integrated Security Systems
Unified security platforms. Use integrat- ed systems that combine physical securi- ty measures with cybersecurity solutions. For example, linking access control sys- tems with network monitoring can pro- vide a comprehensive view of potential threats.
Audit Trails and Logs
Detailed logging. Maintain detailed logs of physical access, including times, loca- tions, and individuals. Cross-reference these logs with cybersecurity logs to identify discrepancies or suspicious ac- tivities.
Incident Response
Rapid response mechanisms. Have proto- cols in place for responding to security incidents that involve both physical and cyber elements. This ensures a coordi- nated approach to addressing and miti- gating threats.
By combining these physical secu- rity measures with robust cybersecu- rity practices, organizations can create a more comprehensive defense against insider threats. Physical security technol- ogy helps to control access, monitor be- havior, and respond to potential threats, thus enhancing overall
security posture.
Dan Berg is the senior product manager of Integrations at Salient Systems.
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