Are Your Physical Security Systems Cyber Secure?

By |2023-07-20T19:01:59+00:00May 16th, 2023|0 Comments

Is your organization’s physical security system at risk of being remotely hijacked by a cybercriminal? Physical security systems are increasingly becoming targets for cyber attacks. It is crucial to be aware of their vulnerabilities and what you can do to protect your organization. This article will give business and security leaders actionable steps they can take to keep their physical security systems secure from digital threats.

Cyber Vulnerabilities of Physical Security Systems

Physical security systems are often thought of as separate from cybersecurity systems. One protects an organization in the real world while the other protects it in the virtual world. However, physical security systems themselves need protection from cyber criminals, just like computer servers need physical protection.

Physical security systems are highly appealing targets for hackers, especially today’s smart connected cameras. For instance, in March 2021, over 150,000 security cameras belonging to numerous organizations — including Tesla Motors and several jails and hospitals — were breached by a group of hacker activists. Control over video surveillance devices like these can trigger a fear response from victims that makes them more likely to pay a hacker’s ransomware fee.

Additionally, criminals can collect valuable data from security systems, such as video footage that shows a person’s personal information or login credentials. They could also use a cyber attack against a physical security system to access an organization’s facilities.

Physical security systems often lack adequate cybersecurity measures, such as robust firewall protection and effective access control. Many organizations are adopting new security technologies — like connected IoT cameras — without taking the necessary cybersecurity precautions to go with them.

How to Build Cyber-Resilient Physical Security

How can organizations protect their physical security systems? There are steps that any organization can take to make their physical security cyber resilient. In fact, these tactics are more accessible than you think but can go a long way toward securing your security devices.

1. Segment Your Network

Implementing network segmentation is the first step every organization should take to secure their physical security systems. Network segmentation involves splitting your wireless network into two or more separate sub-networks. An everyday example of this is the guest networks you often find at stores and restaurants.

One of the critical vulnerabilities physical security systems face is crowded, poorly secured networks. The network you have all your employees connected to should be different from the network your security system runs off of. Employees are frequently targeted by phishing attacks that give hackers an initial backdoor into an organization’s systems. In 202, 54% of ransomware attacks started with a phishing attack.

Network segmentation protects your organization’s physical security systems by keeping them isolated from the rest of your network traffic. Make sure to secure the network segment for your security systems with a strong firewall limited to administrator access only.

2. Implement Strong Identity and Access Management

The firewall is one of many elements that need strict access control. Identity and access management plays a significant role in solid cybersecurity. Your organization’s entire network needs an organized access management system. This goes for things like employee email accounts as well as access to the physical security system.

Strong access control measures help keep intruders out of your network. Even if a worker’s account is breached, your access control measures should make it difficult or impossible for a hacker to break into an administrator’s account. One highly effective tool for securing administrator accounts is two-factor or multi-factor authentication. This authentication method uses an additional identity confirmation method on top of someone’s regular login and password.

For instance, security administrators might have to enter a unique one-time code sent to their confirmed phone number before being allowed to log in to physical security systems. Two-factor authentication can make it virtually impossible for hackers to breach your network. Even if they manage to steal login credentials, they don’t have access to secure phone and email accounts. While multi-factor authentication is vital for high-level clearance accounts, it is helpful to have on all employees’ accounts if possible.

3. Create an Incident Response Plan

An unfortunate reality of cybersecurity for any kind of system today is no security measure is 100% guaranteed to thwart all attacks. In the event a cyber attack hits your organization, you want to minimize the downtime of your physical security system as much as possible. The key to accomplishing this is preparation, which can even stop hackers in their tracks and prevent data loss.

Gather your organization’s leadership — particularly IT and security leaders — and create a Cyber Incident Response Plan. This detailed document outlines exactly how your organization will respond in the event of a cyber attack. Once the plan has been written and reviewed, organization leadership and the security team should regularly reread and practice the response plan.

This ensures you have the quickest response possible when a hacker does try to breach your organization’s network. Make sure to address the physical security systems in the plan specifically. Keeping physical security systems online or getting them secure as soon as possible should be top priorities in your incident response.

4. Strengthen Employee Awareness

Don’t forget about your organization’s employees — they are a crucial part of both physical and cyber security. Phishing attacks are the most common way hackers initially gain access to businesses’ networks. They don’t start by going after the CEO’s email account. They target unassuming staff members who are more likely to respond to emails and less likely to have strong security.

If you want to make your physical security system cyber resilient, you need to invest in cybersecurity knowledge and awareness. For example, businesses can offer anti-phishing training to teach employees to recognize red flags and suspicious emails. Raising awareness like this can go a long way toward preventing cyber attacks from the roots of your organization.

5. Use IoT With the Right Security Precautions

Modern physical security technology has many advantages. Smart cameras can recognize people in view and identify suspicious behavior autonomously. Cloud connectivity makes it easy for organizations to process and store security footage, as well. IoT and cloud security devices are undoubtedly useful, but you must ensure you take the necessary security steps when investing in these smart devices.

Always do plenty of research before investing in IoT security devices. Your organization’s security leaders should thoroughly analyze IoT device providers before investing to ensure they have adequate cybersecurity protocols in place. This is especially important if you use any cloud services as part of your smart security strategy. The cloud can add security features, but it can also be a vulnerability if the provider has weak defenses on its end.

Additionally, always keep your smart security devices’ firmware updated. Device manufacturers and providers frequently release firmware updates and patches specifically to address new security threats. Keeping your devices updated can keep them secure from hackers. Make sure you perform these firmware updates on a secure, segmented network.

Protecting Physical Security From Cyber Threats

Physical and cyber security go hand in hand— both need protection from the other. Don’t forget about your physical security systems when developing a cybersecurity strategy. The steps outlined above extend cybersecurity best practices to make sure your physical security is fortified against digital threats.

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About the Author:

Zac Amos is the Features Editor at the tech magazine ReHack, where he covers cybersecurity and IT. When he’s not writing, you can find him reading up on the latest security trends. For more of his work, follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn.

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