Physical Security

5 minutes 5 Questions

Physical Security involves the implementation of measures and controls designed to protect an organization's facilities, information systems, and assets from physical threats, such as unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and accidents. This includes the design and management of secure facilities, deployment of various physical barriers and access control systems (e.g., locks, doors, gates), and implementation of security policies and procedures governing personnel access and behavior. Physical security is an essential component of a comprehensive security architecture, as it protects critical infrastructure and information assets from potential harm while ensuring the safety of employees and visitors.

Complete Guide on Physical Security

Importance of Physical Security:
Physical security is a critical aspect of information security as it provides protection against potential intrusions, disruptions, and physical damage to tangible assets. It complements cybersecurity measures by preventing unauthorized physical access to resources such as computers, servers, or buildings.

What is Physical Security:
Physical Security refers to the protection of personnel, hardware, software, networks and data from physical actions and events that could cause serious loss or damage. This includes protection from floods, fire, natural disasters, burglary, theft, vandalism, terrorism and so on.

How Physical Security works:
Physical security works based on a multi-layered approach known as 'Defence in Depth'. It comprises of Deterrence - to discourage potential attacks, Detection - to identify any threat or attacks, Delay- to slow down the progress of an attack and Response- to address the attack.

Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Physical Security:
Understand the basic principles of physical security and how they are implemented in different scenarios. Know the types of physical security measures including locks, alarms, access control systems, etc. Be aware of the role played by physical security in the larger scope of information security. Remember that the best security approach often involves a combination of physical and cyber security measures.

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Question 1

A company's office has experienced break-ins recently. The windows have become a major vulnerability. Which of the following will be the MOST effective in preventing future break-ins?

Add window contacts to the existing alarm system Place motion detectors near windows Install security window film Increase the number of CCTV cameras

Correct Answer: Install security window film

Installing security window film helps to strengthen windows and protect against break-ins. While other options might improve security monitoring or discourage intruders, they do not directly address the vulnerability of windows.

Question 2

A data center faces frequent natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes. Which physical security measure should be implemented to ensure business continuity?

Change all locks to biometric ones Increase the number of security guards Relocate the data center to a geographically safer location Implement iris recognition systems

Correct Answer: Relocate the data center to a geographically safer location

Relocating the data center to a geographically safer location is the most effective approach to prevent natural disasters' damage. The other options do not address this issue and may still suffer from infrastructure damage.

Question 3

After an internal audit, it is identified that sensitive documents are being disposed of in regular trash bins. Which solution can BEST mitigates this physical security risk?

Install CCTV cameras in document storage areas Change locks to high-security ones Introduce secure document shredding bins Train personnel to use strong passwords

Correct Answer: Introduce secure document shredding bins

Using secure document shredding bins ensures proper disposal of sensitive documents, reducing the risk of unauthorized disclosure. Other options do not directly address the problem of disposing sensitive documents.

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