Learn best practices for securing your physical workspace and preventing unauthorized access to facilities and information.
Why Physical Security Matters
Physical security is often the overlooked first line of defense in cybersecurity. While we focus on firewalls and passwords, an attacker who gains physical access to your workspace can bypass many digital protections.
**Real-World Risks:**
- **Data Theft:** Unattended devices, visible passwords on sticky notes, unlocked file cabinets
- **Unauthorized Access:** Tailgating into secure areas, stolen or shared badges
- **Social Engineering:** Using physical presence to build trust or create distractions
- **Dumpster Diving:** Retrieving sensitive documents from trash
- **Device Tampering:** Installing keyloggers, USB devices, or network taps
**Why It's Critical:**
A single propped-open door or unattended laptop can lead to massive data breaches. Physical security failures often enable larger cyberattacks. For example, an attacker who gains building access can plug in malicious devices, photograph confidential documents, or simply observe employees entering passwords.
**The Human Element:**
We naturally want to be helpful and trusting. Attackers exploit this by appearing professional, creating urgency, or leveraging social pressure. Understanding these tactics helps you balance security with hospitality.
