The Importance of Physical and Data Security

What is Physical and Data Security? 

Physical and data security encompasses the technology and methods used to store data on devices or networks, including physical, technical, and administrative measures. It also addresses who can access data and how, ensuring that unauthorized users are not accessing your devices, networks, and the information stored on them. 

Why Does Physical and Data Security Matter?  

Robust storage security is essential for preventing unauthorized users from accessing data while protecting the availability of data to authorized users. Without adequate storage security measures, a business exposes its data to accidents, physical theft, and cyber-attacks, potentially leading to various issues: 

• Unauthorized or unintentional access to sensitive information 

• Data leakage, accidental loss, or breaches 

• Accidental modification or deletion of critical data 

• Regulatory non-compliance, which can result in hefty fines or legal consequences 
  

It's important to note that data theft is not always the result of cybercrime; physical actions, such as leaving a computer unlocked or exposing confidential documents, can also lead to data theft. The consequences of data theft can be severe, including financial losses, a decline in a company's reputation, and potential loss of customers. According to a report by Ping Identity, after a data breach, 81% of consumers would cease online interactions with the affected brand. 

How to Improve Physical and Data Security  

To enhance the security of your data and physical assets, consider implementing the following measures: 

1. Restrict employees' access to data based on their roles and responsibilities. 

1. Install physical technology to protect equipment from power surges, losses, or environmental factors. 

1. Apply patches for operating systems and applications promptly and regularly to address known vulnerabilities. 

1. Utilize both hardware and software firewalls to control network traffic and prevent unauthorized access. 

1. If using WiFi: 
   

• Change the password from its factory default. 

• Set your router to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA-2), not Wired-Equivalent Privacy (WEP). 

• If customers access your WiFi, provide a different network than your business network. 
  

1. Encrypt business information, especially sensitive data, to protect it from unauthorized access. Encryption means using password protection.  

1. Ensure any computers or media you dispose of are electronically wiped and physically destroyed to prevent data leaks. 

1. Train employees on how and where they may utilize business devices, as well as best practices for data security. 

1. Make regular backups of data so it can be recovered after any event, such as a cyber-attack, natural disaster, or hardware failure. 

1. Conduct a full, encrypted backup of critical business data monthly, stored outside your office, either at a different physical location (e.g., a USB hard drive stored elsewhere) or via a Cloud Service Provider. 

1. Consider creating automatic backups of gradual changes to data for each business device. 

1. Consider purchasing cyber insurance to help mitigate the financial impact of a data breach or cyber-attack. 
   

By implementing these physical and data security measures, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security incidents, protecting their valuable information and maintaining the trust of their customers and stakeholders.