Top 10 Tips on Implementing Essential Physical Security Measures
Everything on computer networking starts at the physical level. The same case applies to IT security. Initiating adequate physical Security is perhaps crucial as far as overall security strategy is a concern.
In this article, we’ll discuss 10 of the essential security measures you need to implement.
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Table Of Contents
Lock up the server room
Good locks on the server room are a priority even before we talk about locking the servers. Apart from having the best lock, you’ll need policies governing the accessibility of the server room. The policies should set out a specific person with the key or key code to access the room or lock the door when occupied.
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Set up Surveillance
The lock on your door safeguards the server room from intrusion. But, locks are sometimes vulnerable someone can break it, or misused by authorized person. In this regard, you will need a better solution to know who goes in and out. Although logbook for signing in and out is elementary, it’s not useful at times. Authentication systems incorporated into the locking devices provide advanced security measures. The use of video surveillance cameras helps to identify persons accessing the server room and send a notification when motion is detected.
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Lock the most vulnerable devices in the room
Servers are not the only thing to worry about since other network devices that you use can be susceptible. A hacker can hack the system and capture any data that travels across your network while using your laptop. Therefore, make sure your entire network devices are in that locked room.
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Use rank mount servers
Rackmount servers are more comfortable to secure and require less server room real estate. Perhaps they’re smaller and lighter than other tower systems hence can securely be locked into closed ranks. When firmly bolted to the floor, the entire package becomes almost impossible to move.
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Don’t forget the workstations
No computer or any other network devices should be left unattended. Hackers can intrude anytime and use a device connected to the network to steal or delete essential data of your business. Always make sure to disconnect all the network devices that aren’t in use. Computers that remain in open areas are mostly the target, equipping them with biometric readers and smart card helps prevent unauthorized persons from logging on.
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Keep intruders away from the case
Both workstations and servers need maximum protection to keep off thieves from opening the case to steal hard drive. Computers with case locks are hard to break. Hence computers equipped with cases prevent the intruder from opening without a key.
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Protect the Portable
Handheld devices pose a high physical Security risk. Employees should be cautious with laptops on their desks. Portable devices can get stolen or important information accessed by unauthorized persons. There are motion-sensing alarms one can use to get alerts upon movement of portables. Consequently, you can use biometric readers, full disk encryption, and software that supplement physical precaution when stolen computers connect to the Internet.
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Pack up the backups
Losing data is a disaster for an individual or a company. An essential element of disaster recovery is backing up all your data. Backups stored on disks or tapes can be stolen, and thus, keeping the backups next to the server room can help secure them from intruders.
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Disable the drives
The best way to prevent employees from copying the company’s information is by Disabling or removing all means of connecting external drives. Alternatively, one can fill ports with glue yo permanently prevent them from using these sources.
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Protect your printers
Printers, too, pose a security risk to essential information. Most of the people are using printers to store the contents of their document. These printers can be vulnerable if hackers get access since they can easily make copies of documents printed recently. Therefore, to avoid such cases, bolt down your printers in secure locations to prevent thieves from walking off with them.
In a nutshell, network security always starts at the physical level. It’s crucial to lock up and lock down your computer room, and servers since firewall alone can’t prevent intruders who can comfortably gain physical access to your computers and network.
