Physical Network Security: Detection, Prevention, and Asset Disposal

Why Physical Security Matters

• Admins often prioritize digital security and overlook physical vulnerabilities
• Unprotected servers and unlocked data cabinets are easy targets
• Example: Servers in hallway near cafeteria with open door due to overheating

Detection Methods

1. Surveillance Cameras

• 24/7 monitoring with IP cameras or CCTV
• Install at entrances, parking lots, server rooms
• Weather-proof casing, centralized recording, live review stations

2. Motion Sensors

• PIR (Infrared), Electromechanical, Photoelectric, Sound, Waveform, Capacitive sensors
• Detect unauthorized movement in sensitive zones
• Adjust sensitivity to prevent false alarms

3. Asset Tagging

• Label servers, devices, and cables for inventory and tracking
• Include serial numbers and purchase dates

4. Tamper Detection

• Activate chassis intrusion warnings via BIOS/UEFI
• Regularly audit tamper settings on critical hardware

Prevention Methods

1. Employee Training

• End users: password policies, phishing awareness, security reporting
• Admins: incident response, policy enforcement, crisis simulation

2. Access Control Hardware

• Badge readers, biometric scanners (fingerprint, retina), and MFA
• Prevent false positives/negatives in authentication

3. Rack and Cabinet Locks

• Use mechanical, combo, RFID, or smart locks
• Secure servers, laptops, printers, documents

4. Mantrap Vestibule

• Two-door access zone with dual-stage authentication
• Prevent tailgating in high-security environments

5. Smart Lockers

• RFID/NFC controlled lockers with dynamic access and audit logging

Secure Asset Disposal

1. Factory Reset

• Reverts device to defaults but may not fully remove sensitive data
• Not reliable if device is offline or the reset is superficial

2. Device Sanitization

• Clearing: simple delete with standard tools
• Purging: deeper erasure methods
• Destroying: physical destruction (e.g., shredding hard drives)

📋 Physical Security Quick Review Table

Method	Purpose	Suggested Action
IP Cameras	Surveillance	Install at entry points, review stations
Motion Sensors	Intrusion Detection	PIR, laser, wave, sound
User Training	Error Prevention	Short sessions, incentives
Biometric Access	Identity Verification	MFA with physical traits
Mantrap	Two-step Entry Control	Badge + Guard confirmation
Smart Lockers	Dynamic Asset Protection	Software-integrated access
Data Sanitization	Safe Disposal	Purging or destruction