The Importance of Integrating Physical Security and Cybersecurity Measures
Security measures have always been an essential part of every organization’s day-to-day activities. With the advancement of technology, physical security and cybersecurity measures have become increasingly important. Physical security entails everything from access control systems to video surveillance cameras, while cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from unauthorized access or theft.
Many firms have traditionally seen physical and cybersecurity measures as two different functions, each with a different team assigned to them. However, the increasing number of cyberattacks has shown that both should be integrated into one tightly knit area of protection, to ensure that the company is best protected against both physical and cyber threats.
The Risks Associated with Separate Physical and Cybersecurity Measures
When physical and cybersecurity measures are separate, there is a danger that organizations will fall victim to both areas of attack. For example, unauthorized access could potentially come from hackers who breach data systems through unprotected Wi-Fi. Similarly, someone can use unauthorized physical access to gain physical access to confidential documents.
Integration of Physical Security and Cybersecurity
The integration of physical security and cybersecurity measures ensures that companies are fully protected against any threat, whether it’s a physical breach or cyberattack. Integration promotes the sharing of information and resources between the two teams. In this way, both teams can quickly handle security threats. For instance, integration can allow the physical security team to monitor and detect suspicious cyber activity on networks, alerting the cybersecurity team to potential threats.
Benefits of Integrating Physical Security and Cybersecurity Measures
The benefits of integrated physical and cybersecurity measures go beyond just protection against data breaches. By integrating both teams, a company can reduce the costs associated with managing the two teams separately, and this approach also helps reduce the chances of duplicated effort. Additionally, integration can improve compliance and regulation adherence.
There is also an increased degree of convenience in the system. With physical and cyber teams working in close collaboration, organizations can promptly handle security threats. Integration ensures that both cyber and physical security controls are consistent and standardized across the organization.
Case Study: Boeing
Boeing is an excellent example of how integration of physical and cybersecurity can enhance security measures. Boeing’s physical security and cybersecurity teams work in close collaboration, which allows for the quick and efficient identification of potential breaches in either cybersecurity or physical security.
The company maintains a highly resilient cybersecurity framework that provides visibility into its cyber landscape. This framework includes multi-factor authentication, advanced anomaly detection, behavioral analytics, and network segmentation as some of the security control mechanisms to protect data and defend the IT infrastructure.
Conclusion
A company cannot afford to overlook security measures. With cyberattacks becoming increasingly prevalent, physical and cybersecurity measures are critical components when it comes to safeguarding an organization and its assets. By integrating physical security and cybersecurity measures, organizations can ensure that both areas are given the attention they deserve. A shared approach ensures that all areas of potential threat are minimized, and the entire organization benefits from a more holistic approach to security.
