Many organisations have quality locks on their office doors, for example, but too few keep an up-to-date list of how many keys were created and to whom they were distributed. In the broadest of terms, user authorisation within any security system can be verified via one three means: 1. This page covers physically protecting your equipment and data not only from theft, but also from accidental loss, fire, flood and accidental damage. Losing your computer (or having it stolen) is one of those things you would rather not think about. How to recover information from your off-site backup system. Keep printed photographic records of all equipment and lock them away safely. Encrypt your hard drives The first step is to implement full-disk encryption on each one of your company’s PCs. You can prevent physical damage to desktop computers by arranging the equipment so it is stable on a desk or floor and cannot fall or be knocked over. Physical methods. Who should be notified if sensitive information is disclosed or misplaced. Protect computers, servers and mobile devices against data loss and unauthorised access. Encourage users to pick up their documents from printers, faxes, photocopiers and multi-functional devices promptly. In spite of the sophisticated online methods now used by criminals, it is still easier to access your systems and data by physically doing so on your premises, or taking your devices. But some organizations, distracted by the more sophisticated features of software-based security products, may overlook the importance of ensuring that the network and its components have been protected at the physical level. So, a standard renters insurance policy will not cover … 10 ways to prevent computer security threats from insiders Whether via the spread of malware, spyware or viruses, insiders can do as much damage as outside attackers. a risk that which can potentially harm computer systems and organization An office access policy that addresses key distribution, CCTV cameras, alarm systems, cleaning contracts and other such considerations. Everyone involved should be given time to read the policy, ask questions about it, contribute to it and implement the standards and practices it describes. Computers, networking equipment and data storage devices can be quite delicate. Information about access to legal support. These activities are extremely valuable, however, in part because they help ensure that small but important details are not forgotten. Information about travel insurance, if relevant. By doing so, you can give visitors access to the Internet without sharing your WiFi password or allowing them to access local devices when they are in range. See the Basic Security Tool Guides for Windows and Linux for more detail. Even if you are not working with a formal organisation, it is a good idea to write out guidelines and response plans for yourself and those with whom you work. This is particularly important because the stress and chaos of a physical security emergency can make it difficult to respond quickly and appropriately. They are also quite dangerous (even before people start "fixing" them with duct tape). Make sure to secure your mobile devices to protect both the machine and the … (If you work out of your home, this might require that you move documents and equipment into a bedroom or some other private space when meeting with visitors.) Discussing these steps with others, writing them down somewhere and revisiting them from time to time is a good way to maintain a detailed security policy. If your smartphone, tablet or laptop has a "Find my Device" feature, consider activating it so that you can locate the device or remotely wipe its contents should it be lost, stolen or confiscated. It does not take long for criminals to achieve their objectives once you or a colleague have been tricked or distracted. What steps to take if a device is lost or stolen. Something known by the individual (a piece of information such as a password) 2. Just as you might rely on anti-malware software to protect the contents of a USB memory stick from malware, you must rely on a detailed physical security plan to protect the same information from theft, loss or destruction. An inventory of your equipment, including serial numbers and physical descriptions. Don't get stuck with a big repair bill if the unexpected happens to your computer or tablet. Laptops, tablets and smartphones should never be left on a vehicle seat. Encrypt the storage on all of your computers, tablets and smartphones. People are often tempted to plug random storage devices into their computers so they can look for clues as to who might have lost them. Many shredders work on CDs and DVDs as well as paper documents. Consider travelling with a security cable and practice finding workspaces near objects to which you can attach one. These videos should of course be encrypted, both in transit and wherever they are stored. Few people work exclusively in their homes and offices. We are often surrounded by equipment that we think of as televisions, cameras, phones, printers, video game consoles and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Introduction to Physical Security. This includes protection from fire, flood, natural disasters, burglary, theft, vandalism and terrorism. It broadens the coverage for your computer due to direct physical loss. Windows, Mac and Linux computers all have keyboard shortcuts that allow you to do this quickly and easily. It is important that you set a strong passphrase on your wireless network so that others cannot join your network or monitor your traffic. You should take every precaution to protect them against such eventualities, have a business continuity plan in place, back up all of your data off site and ensure you have adequate business insurance to cover physical losses. For additional information, see the Tactics Guides on how to protect the sensitive files on your computer and on how to use smartphones as securely as possible. In other cases, attackers create them intentionally and "drop" them near the home or office of a target organisation or individual. As you have seen, there are many different ways that you or a business can lose valuable data. This includes ports on devices like printers, monitors and projectors that are in locations where visitors might be left alone. physical destruction or harm of computer circuitry but included the “loss of access, loss of use, and loss of functionality.” Id. Below are a few suggestions on how to configure your software to make it less vulnerable to physical threats. Policy documents are both a way to reach consensus on such details and a way to keep track of them over time. If your WiFi relies on a weak password — or no password at all — anyone within range is a potential intruder. Sharp voltage spikes are particularly dangerous and can wipe out your data. If it behaves poorly with lamps, lights and fans, you might want to think twice before using it to power your computers. When working in an environment like this, you should use a virtual private network (VPN) or the Tor Browser to prevent these attacks. How to: protect against data and hardware loss. Data protection is the process of safeguarding important information from corruption, compromise or loss. When working in public, it is even more important that you take care to position your screen so that others cannot read it. Your policy document should provide general guidelines for you, for those with whom you work and, if relevant, for newcomers to your organisation. Fit bars or shutters to vulnerable windows. Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for use with electrical equipment, near your computer. You may not think of this as physical security, but an attacker who is able to join your wireless network has the same access as one who is able to sneak into your office and connect an Ethernet cable. Malicious individuals seeking access to your sensitive information — or to the valuable hardware upon which that information is stored — represent a key physical threat. Physical Protection. Irregular power is just one of many environmental threats you should consider when setting up shop. How to respond to a burglary or an office raid. Back up data (see Backups for more information). If you are lucky, your neighbours will become allies who can help you keep an eye on your home or office. As usual, the correct policy depends greatly on the situation. And try to avoid putting such devices on display when you are not using them. There are a number of good security habits that pertain to the specific location where you work. If you often work in public, you should buy privacy filters for the devices you use. But while these characteristics make them popular and convenient, they also make them an ideal target for thieves. Will somebody else be carrying your bag? Position surge protectors, UPSs, power strips and extension cables where they will not be unplugged or powered off by an accidental misstep. Have a ‘clear-desk’ policy so that employees lock up sensitive papers when they are not working on them. Use locking security cables, where possible, to prevent intruders from stealing desktop and laptop computers. You can learn more about these tools in the Tactics Guide on how to remain anonymous and bypass censorship on the Internet. These and many other physical threats can lead to the loss or exposure of sensitive information. When you find yourself with access to high-quality computer cables, surge protectors and power strips, consider picking up a few extras. They are available for laptops, external monitors, tablets and smartphones. Below are a few suggestions to help you protect your data from threats in the surrounding area. Most desktop computer cases have a slot where you can attach a padlock that will make it difficult for anyone without a key to get inside. If your power supply is particularly unstable, you might also need a power filter or a line conditioner. Whoops, I broke it again. To help protect computers and limit the extent of the damage, most portable systems are insulated with shock absorbing material. They are particularly valuable for local servers and desktop computers that lack internal batteries. If so, the insured has the burden of proof to show that the claimed loss falls within the coverage provided by the policy’s insuring clause. Share it! To prevent physical damage or theft, use a sturdy, weatherproof, padded, adequately sized conservative bag that doesn't necessarily look like a computer bag. On some level, all of these "things" are computers, and they come with many of the same risks. Is it raining? In the absence of “physical loss or damage,” property insurance does not respond. A surge protector should specify a maximum voltage and list a rating in Joules. Sparking power strips that fall out of wall sockets and fail to hold plugs securely are quite common in some parts off the world. 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