Cybersecurity begins with physical network protection

In today’s digitised world where cyber threats are continuously on the rise, it’s all the more important that physical protection of the network infrastructure not be neglected. Innovative solutions and best practices are essential for protecting sensitive corporate data and critical resources against unauthorised access and physical threats.

Physical network security is an essential component in the comprehensive protection of sensitive data. Direct access to a device almost always provides an opportunity for manipulating or extracting data. This makes hardware the weakest link in the network hierarchy. Bad actors can damage devices, steal data using USB drives, copy hard disks, install unauthorised software, sidestep password protection and use mobile devices to download data.

Threats can come from a variety of directions and range from unauthorised access to the network, deliberate sabotage and corporate espionage to natural disasters and terrorist attacks that can physically destroy devices or servers. Implementing a robust concept can greatly improve network security.

Access control as a trouble spot

Controlling access to spaces in which important network devices and data are located is fundamental to physical network security. This type of protection includes a number of controls and measures that aim to prevent unauthorised persons from accessing critical network components like routers, cable cabinets, servers and other hardware resources.

Investments in physical security measures like surveillance cameras, RFID door locks, burglar alarm systems and on-site security personnel are critical to establishing a strong line of defence against physical threats. These measures help to prevent access to computer systems and network components while also significantly reducing the risk of theft or damage to hardware.

The first and most important step for protecting networks is to keep devices behind securely locked doors and implement suitable access control. Server rooms, data centres and cable cabinets must be securely locked.

Ideally, access to the entire building should be controlled centrally. A modern electronic access system tracks each user individually and generates a log that shows who accessed or requested access to which room. These systems also allow companies to personalise access so that each person’s access is limited to specific areas of the facility.

If network devices are located outside of data centres, which is often the case, they’re especially vulnerable to manipulation and must be securely housed in lockable cabinets. These cabinets are available in different sizes and can be equipped with climate control features to ensure that the devices are kept in a safe environment.

High tech for network protection

Surveillance cameras also play an important role in physical network protection because they make it possible to view all events directly and provide visual support for access protocols. Modern video surveillance systems are easy to install, are affordable and can be seamlessly integrated into existing networks. They offer high-quality images, remote access options and smart features like motion detection, thermal imaging and alarm forwarding. They also make it possible to promptly detect and identify intruders and unauthorised persons. In a threat situation, suitable countermeasures can then be initiated to guarantee the integrity of the building and information.

Physical network security also requires protection against environmental influences like heat, moisture and voltage fluctuations. Extreme conditions can cause damage to network devices, which is why environmental monitoring is especially critical in remote and unsupervised locations. Surveillance can alert administrators to unfavourable conditions and help correct potential problems before they cause devices to fail.

Physical network security is of vital importance and should be an integral part of any network security plan over and above software-based measures. Because a failure of physical security can nullify all software-based security measures, it’s important that companies give physical security the attention and resources it deserves. This requires a comprehensive approach that includes access control, surveillance, environmental monitoring and data security. You’ll find all the solutions and technology necessary for implementing physical security at PERIMETER PROTECTION Nuremberg from January 14 to 16, 2025.