Physical Security

The most primitive and sure way to stop ne'er-do-wells fiddling with your information system is to keep them physically away from the system.

Physical security measures include:

• locked doors
  

• devices in file servers' floppy drives that can be locked and prevent hackers inserting disks containing hacking tools


A floppy disk drive with a floppy lock installed in it.

• bars on windows
  

• alarms
  

• security guards
  

• guard dogs

• 

  Tip: security rabbits are considerably less effective

  

• security lighting
  

• surveillance cameras
  
  

• anti-theft cables that lock equipment to the wall

• 

• buy computers that have lockable cases.

Some computer cases have a hasp on the back or side where you open the case. You can install a padlock on the hasp to lock the case. This will prevent theft of hard drives and other internal components. It will also help to keep BIOS passwords safe.

• Put vulnerable computers in locked-down enclosures to prevent them being stolen or opened.
  
  
  
  
  

• install removable hard drives.

• This is especially important for those workstations that hold sensitive information locally instead of on the network. With removable hard drives you simply shut down at the end of the day, pull out the drive and lock it away in the safe for ultimate security.

• putting valuable hardware and software in a fireproof safe
  

• padlock the zipper on your laptop carry case

Also read up on NETWORK SECURITY