What physical security risks are created by an organization’s implementation of a PHYSBITS solution? What mitigations would you recommend to lesson them?
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PHYSBITS solutions, while helpful in some regards, still may leave room for IT security risks, particularly on the human error side. While PHYSBITS includes information on general protocol for human error such as lost tokens or issuance of credentials, it can not account for human nature, for example, an event where a user or employee grants access to an area to an unauthorized user in error. As we saw in this week’s class, organizational employees are very susceptible to possible human engineering, such as the example of unauthorized access being granted to a user in a position of authority like in the Lebanon bank video. This can open up an organization to any level of human-based physical attack on the hardware or assets, such as theft, vandalism, etc. Any amount of token security can not stop the physical risk posed by human nature, so a n understanding of physical risk should be combined with things like SETA protocols from last week’s unit to provide an understanding of how to avoid risks and situations such as these.
Another issue mentioned by the SANS article is that a PHYSBITS solution is centralized event monitoring. While this can be useful for rapid response to physical or technical events, it creates a risk where,. if the processes of the central response team are limited by a physical disaster or event then they will not be able to adequately respond. one workaround for this would be to have a backup location or team at the ready in a secure secondary locale, who is able to respond should the servers or access of the centralized group be in any way compromised.
A key is human error itself, both in a technical and physical risk as you are pointing out. Also need to consider environmental risks, along with the combined human and technical risk. Centralized event monitoring is a great concept, but not always feasible depending on how the company is set up and located.
No solution is full proof no matter the amount of money spent. You really had me thinking about deeper risk. I am still trying to shift my thinking to be more open with looking at risk and not just within IT but all around. While reading, there appears to be a constant and that is identifying the human factor and the risk surrounding that.
Physical Security Bridge to IT Security (PHYSBITS) is a concept of enabling collaboration between physical and IT security to support overall enterprise risk management needs.
It utilizes smart cards for access and identity management. While this provides a common approach for employees and visitors by granting access to an organization’s resources, it can also introduce potential problems. Smart cards that utilize RFID technology can be exploited.
Due to its high reliance on access cards/card swipes for physical access, two inherent risks immediately come to mind, namely card theft and destruction as the most prominent.
Human error presents a risk as well, combining physical and IT access through a central system can amplify mistakes during the account provisioning process. As an example, a typo in an employee requisition form could result in a user being provided access to sensitive areas. This can be mitigated through audits at various times.
Power loss is a technical risk. This can be mitigated by using uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and other back-up power solutions, e.g. generators.
Redundancy planning is an important consideration when planning mitigation strategies for physical risk. This is even more important when physical and IT security systems are converged via a PHYSBIT solution.
Humidity, temperature, and other environmental factors are also risks considering within the building, depending on the age and condition of the building. An older building will often present more risks in this area. Technology requires specific environmental conditions to function. Excessive heat or humidity could cause components of the PHYSBIT to stop working.
Marc,
I agree, temperature control is often overlooked as a physical security risk. For example, when conducting a data center walkthrough, I make sure that the temperature is maintained at an even room temperature throughout. Some organizations have even invested in water-cooled floors for their data centers to mitigate the risk of temperature-related emergencies.
The successful integration of PHYSBITS solutions within an organization’s infrastructure can inadvertently induce various physical security challenges. It’s therefore pivotal to identify these potential risks and devise strategies to counteract them effectively.
These solutions essentially operate by interconnecting various physical and virtual systems, thus enabling more efficient data management. However, by blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms, this interconnectedness also presents potential hazards. Unauthorized access, data theft, and physical damage to the infrastructure are among the anticipated risks ingrained within this system.
Guarding against unauthorized access is essential to preserving the integrity of the system. This could be achieved by installing advanced intrusion detection systems and implementing strict access protocols. Moreover, regular audits of access records can expose any attempts of unauthorized entry, keeping the system’s security uncompromised.
Data theft is another looming risk within PHYSBITS deployment. Implementing state-of-the-art encryption methods and maintaining routine backups can minimize potential damage in the event of a breach. Proactive, continuous monitoring of data movement will also prove beneficial in detecting deviations from normal activity, thereby supporting early detection of potential threats.
Lastly, the physical risk of damage to the system’s infrastructure cannot be overlooked. Strong, robust casing for hardware, alongside dedicated secure spaces for servers and other critical equipment, will help protect against tangible damage.
The realization of PHYSBITS solutions requires meticulous planning and a robust strategy to manage the accompanying risks. Ultimately, a proactive and comprehensive security framework is necessary to ensure the system’s longevity and maintain an organization’s data integrity.
Michael, OBIUKWU
MS ITACS/Fall 2023
Michael, your insights on the challenges posed by the integration of PHYSBITS solutions are invaluable. Its true the fusion of physical and virtual systems demands a proactive approach to security, safeguarding against unauthorized access through advanced intrusion detection systems and complex access protocols is crucial, as you rightly pointed out. Employing cutting-edge encryption methods, routine backups, and continuous data monitoring can address the menace of data theft effectively. I’m curious to know your thoughts on how organizations can strike a balance between seamless integration of PHYSBITS solutions and maintaining a high level of security. What strategies do you believe are most effective in achieving this delicate balance?
The realm of Physical Security Bridge to IT Security (PHYSBITS) technologies comes with its fair share of physical security hazards, primarily the looming threats of data breaches and data loss or damage on physical devices. While PHYSBITS solutions certainly aid in mitigating these risks, eradicating them entirely is an unattainable feat. Of utmost concern is the probability of data breaches, where unscrupulous individuals gain access to inadequately secured data, leading to the theft of intellectual property or the exposure of private information. Furthermore, without proper encryption, data faces the potential danger of interception and viewing by external parties.
Another severe peril is the possibility of data loss or destruction, which arises when physical devices are not adequately safeguarded. This dire scenario can result in the loss of critical data or render essential information irretrievable. Furthermore, if data is not adequately backed up, any failure of physical devices may irrevocably delete valuable information forever.
While PHYSBITS solutions assist in diminishing these hazards, they cannot eliminate them entirely. Therefore, organizations must prioritize implementing necessary physical security measures to safeguard their data. With the integration of a PHYSBITS system, certain vulnerabilities to physical security may ensue, including data breaches, data loss or damage, device failure, security flaws, and operational disruptions.
My recommendations to abate these threats is that organizations ought to employ an arsenal of physical security measures. Data encryption is crucial in preventing unauthorized access to data stored on physical devices. Ensuring device security guards against theft, vandalism, and illegal access. Consistent backups are imperative to minimize the risk of data loss. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities, and a robust incident response strategy must be in place to tackle data breaches or hardware failure promptly.
By meticulously implementing these procedures, organizations can fortify their data and diminish the risks associated with utilizing PHYSBITS systems.
Hi Ikenna, as always, your explanation is straight to the point. PHYSBITS has its own set of security challenges, but they also provide valuable tools for enhancing overall security. The key is to recognize their limitations and integrate them into a holistic security strategy that includes encryption, access control, backups, and incident response planning. By doing so, organizations can effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with PHYSBITS.
(1089) Raxis CyberSecurity Tip: How Hackers Use Compressed Air to Breach Physical Security – YouTube
Like in this week’s main topic, Physical security threats, there are several physical security threats when an organization implements a PHYSBITS solution. Some of these threats could be environmental (Fire, smoke, biological, HVAC), Natural (hurricane, flood), technical (EMI electromagnetic interference, relay antennas), or one that sticks out the most for me, human caused which could vary from unauthorized physical access, theft, vandalism and misuse. I provide a link above that is something that surprised me on the unauthorized entry portion and getting pasted electronic security doors and systems. It caught me by surprise. Just like in last week’s topics where the bank workers let in people that could take information right off their stations. My main mitigation would be awareness and training on security, specifically the physical side to show people the variabilities, just because this is IT security doesn’t mean that you need to understand IT to understand security. Second, I would implement trained security officers to monitor and respond to incidents in live time. This would one be a deterrent but also a quick response in case of an event. Lastly, I would make business continuity the forefront of this and with that being said I would have off-site cloud-based access. Just in case a physical event happens, and the site cannot be reached, business can continue in the cloud. That does bring up more risk and training but would be the best way for a quick turnaround if there is an event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXSKapmTP-A
PHYSBITS solutions offer both value and risk by integrating physical and IT security, providing a comprehensive security perspective, reducing costs, and streamlining processes. However, there are risks associated with consolidation, including human errors during account provisioning, technical issues like power loss, and environmental factors affecting system components. My Mitigation strategies include regular audits for human errors, using uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and other sources like power generators. Redundancy planning for technical risks, and environmental monitoring to address physical risks promptly should be implemented since converged systems may have increased vulnerability cascading effects compared to independent systems.
Hi Chidiebere, I like that your answer is so to the point! I think you should also consider mitigation strategies for physical risks to the data center more than using a UPS. Threats such as break-ins or unlawful access to the premises due to human error are also something that may affect the data.
PHYSBITS represents a sophisticated solution that effectively mixes physical and IT security spaces. It offers organizations numerous benefits, including consolidation, a comprehensive overview of security measures, cost reduction, and streamlined operational procedures. Nevertheless, it does bring along certain inherent risks, spanning the spectrum from human-centric to technical and environmental. Among the most significant hazards linked to PHYSBITS lies the realm of human error. A typo in an employee requisition form could potentially grant unintended access to sensitive IT areas, paving the way for malicious actors to infiltrate critical systems and sensitive data. To guard against this risk, organizations should implement rigorous auditing protocols during account creation and conduct regular audits throughout the year to nip this risk in the bud. Furthermore, the risk of power loss exists, which could render the PHYSBITS system inaccessible and open the door to unauthorized access to physical and IT resources. To fortify defenses against this vulnerability, it is imperative for organizations to invest in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and auxiliary backup power solutions such as generators.
Environmental factors, particularly excessive heat and humidity, threaten the stability of PHYSBITS systems. These conditions can potentially induce failures in essential components like security camera servers. To safeguard against such contingencies, organizations should cautiously monitor environmental conditions and proactively address any anomalies that could jeopardize the integrity of the PHYSBITS system. In addition to these environmental risks, PHYSBITS systems remain susceptible to various technical and human-induced threats. Technical menaces, such as power disruptions or external interference, have the capacity to disrupt the system’s seamless operation, while human-caused threats, encompassing misuse and theft, can compromise the system’s security posture. Organizations should enforce robust security measures to thwart these dangers, including comprehensive security awareness training for personnel and well-defined procedures for promptly reporting suspicious activities.
Given this intricate landscape of risks, organizations must exercise judicious prudence when contemplating the implementation of PHYSBITS. Mitigating these risks is paramount to staving off potential security breaches and ensuring system robustness.
Hi Kelly, I Learn the part you said PHYSBITS blends physical and IT security, providing a unified security view, cost-cutting and simplified operational protocols for organizations. However, it presents risks ranging from human-induced to technical and environmental. Human errors, such as typing mistakes, can inadvertently grant unauthorized system access. Regular audits and meticulous protocols during account creation can mitigate this risk. Loss of power could make PHYSBITS inaccessible; investment in uninterruptible power supplies and backup power systems is crucial. Extreme heat and humidity can destabilize the system; environmental monitoring and proactive responses to irregularities can keep the system integrity intact. Technical disruptions and human threats like misuse and theft can compromise the system; these can be combated with comprehensive personnel training and robust reporting procedures. Careful consideration and risk mitigation strategies are essential for successful PHYSBITS implementation. Thanks for this Kelly.
Physical security risk is all around at work and school. The risk that are present prior to implementing a PHYSBIT solution should be a concern post appliance. The token issues, issues with bad audits, inconsistent logging, as well as the potential financial woes are still there in my opinion. Yes, the PHYSBITS is there to mitigate some of these issues, but the local user is the most dangerous risk to physical security. And in the same breath, the local user is also the most valuable asset to the physical security. It is paramount that the user is fully engaged in the security effort. The knowledgeable user is the a company’s best security resource.
Hi Erskine,
I definitely believe that the user is the risk to physical security. The first thing I thought about when I thought about physical security is the video we watched in class and how social engineering is a big contributor for breaches. I definitely agree with you that the best solution for this is providing the user with the knowledge they need to, not only secure themselves and their information, but also the organizations. By continually educating employees, an organization can then assist them in practicing safe security habits. Security is definitely an organizational effort.
Even though PHYSBIT could provide a lot of advantages to an organization, there are also issues that could arise from the implementation of PHYSBITS solution. It is important for an organization to be aware of the risks in order to be prepared when the risks arise. One of the risks is for unauthorized or unknown personnel to gain access to a secured location in an organization. This could happen due to the mistake of an authorized employee. While trying to be nice, an employee could hold the door for a stranger unknowingly. Also, an employee could misplace his or her badge which an unauthorized person could eventually take advantage of. Another issue is natural disasters such as flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, and so on.
I would recommend training that emphasizes the importance of security in an organization. Employees shouldn’t open doors for anyone that they are not familiar with. In case of missing badges, employees should report to the appropriate department immediately for them to cancel the badge and issue a new badge. Organizations should restrict the access of employees based on their roles in the organization. Finally, there should be backups in the cloud or a safe location in case of natural disasters.
When implementing the PHYSBITS solution, several physical security risks may arise, including the possibility of power outages, mishandling of data, susceptibility to social engineering, and the potential theft of data by employees. It’s important to note that many of these risks are often linked to human-related factors.
To address and mitigate these risks effectively, I suggest implementing a strong and comprehensive security awareness training program. By providing employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle sensitive data responsibly and secure their work environment, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of security incidents related to human errors and vulnerabilities.
I like these perspectives. It’s interesting to think about how, no matter how comprehensive we try to make IT security there are always inevitable risks, some of which may even arise from our attempts to prevent risk. The PHYSBIT issue is a great example of how paradoxical IT security can be sometimes. While PHYSBIT may certainly help in certain regards, we can see that it may open up vulnerabilities of its own. For these reasons we need to consult with our organization to determine how much risk we’d be willing to take on in adjusting and implementing these practices and understand their strengths and weaknesses
Implementation of a PHYSBITS solution indicates that physical barriers will now be a more prominent factor in creating the overall security strategy. This includes environmental threats, technical threats and human-caused threats. Environmental threats should be prefaced with all possible natural disasters that could occur in the business’ geographical area such as floods, hurricanes, tornados, power outages, and fires. For these types of disasters, I would mitigate the risks by being vigilant about redundancy. Making sure that information is backed up on a separate server is most important with these disasters that can oftentimes be out of the business’ control. When considering financial loss here, I would accept the cost and continue interoperations with a strategy focused on reducing the number of IT staff and the number of systems that monitor IT security and activities. I would also employ automatic smoke alarms and water sensors close to equipment; more fire extinguishers based on the number of computer rooms which would be labeled to specify the chemical contained. For technical threats to an organization such as power surges, brownouts or power outages can be mitigated with a UPS device that will supply electricity as a backup for the equipment. Since human-caused threats can occur as either intentional or unintentional; when considering intentional human attacks, I would focus on system vulnerabilities for humans outside of the organization since these types of human threats are meant to overcome preventative measures and regulated access controls, logging and tracking systems for humans within the organization. For unintentional human threats, I will focus on security awareness. And lastly, in this PHYSBIT solution, vendors must adhere to and coincide standards that cover smart card protocols, authentication and access control formats and protocols, database entries, message formats, etc. This can be seen as a huge administrative burden that employees may not adhere to.
The integration between physical and IT security replaces some risks with new risks. A major concern is the potential for unauthorized access to digital systems through physical means, such as exploiting vulnerabilities in connected devices to breach IT security. There’s a risk of data interception or manipulation during transmission between physical and IT systems which could lead to compromised integrity and confidentiality of information. For mitigating these risks, I would suggest implementing strong authentication systems, encryption, and regularly updating systems for both physical and IT components. Segregating the networks like we saw not done with the Target scenario will help to ensure that critical IT systems are not accessible from physical security devices that will strengthen security. Regular security assessments, employee training, and 24/7 monitoring of network traffic are measures that can identify and respond quickly to breaches or suspicious activities.
Yes! The merger of physical and IT security introduces new risks, such as unauthorized digital access through physical channels, and potential data interception during system communication, threatening information integrity. Mitigation strategies include robust authentication, encryption, systematic updates, network segregation, and rigorous security assessments. Implementing continuous employee training and round-the-clock network monitoring can swiftly tackle suspicious activities, fortifying the resilience of both physical and IT infrastructure.
The physical Security Bridge to IT Security (PHYSBITS) concept favors a connection between physical and IT security. It makes use of smart cards for identity management and access control, providing clients with a standardized method for gaining access to an organization’s resources. Smart cards use RFID technology, however, this can potentially be abused. Relying mainly on access cards and card swipes for physical admission entails specific hazards. Theft and destruction of cards rank as the most serious threats. Mistakes during the account provisioning process might also result from human error in the integration of physical and IT access through a centralized system.
Technical concerns like power outages should be taken into account. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and other power sources, such as generators, can be used to combat this. When developing strategies to reduce physical risk, redundancy planning is essential. Risks can also be posed by environmental variables such as humidity, temperature, and structural characteristics, especially in older structures. For technology to work at its best, certain environmental conditions are required. The workings of PHYSBIT components could be affected by excessive heat or humidity.
While the implementation of PHYSBITS can indeed serve as a strong technical solution to enhance physical security, it’s essential to acknowledge that no system is entirely immune to human error. Instances of human error can occur in any environment, regardless of the level of security in place, and PHYSBITS is no exception. For instance, an employee may inadvertently ask a colleague to swipe out on their behalf remaining in the building or open to return at any point, and giving the employee access to their credentials, or a security guard might allow entry to an employee who has forgotten their badge.
To effectively address and mitigate human error, it is crucial to prioritize comprehensive employee training, adopt the principle of segregation of duties to restrict access based on job roles, and conduct regular security awareness training to instill a culture of responsibility among staff.
In addition to addressing human error, securing both physical and IT aspects necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This includes the installation of security cameras, the implementation of biometrics for secure area access and data center entry, and proactive measures to protect against various threats such as fire, theft, and environmental damage.
To further mitigate these threats, organizations should consider measures such as the installation of smoke alarms and sprinkler systems, encryption of data stored on servers to safeguard sensitive information, the strict control of access to data rooms through biometric authentication, and the creation of an air gap room to prevent unauthorized entry into secure areas. Additionally, it is crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard against adverse environmental conditions, ensuring the continued operation and integrity of critical systems such as fire and waters alarms, as well as backup power (generators, uninterruptible power supply, in case of loss of power.
Your assessment of the PHYSBITS system and its vulnerabilities to human error is accurate. Even though no security system can eradicate human errors completely, comprehensive measures need to be considered to address the issue. Organizations should make sure their employees are well-trained in the importance of security in the organization. I also agree that employers should invest in security equipment such as CCTV, biometrics, facial recognition, and physical guards.