Securing Physical Access to the Network
This is about literally having physical barriers to protect your network from being physically touched by bad people. Network security must consider the digital realm, as well as the physical realm!
Intro
Network security is a crucial aspect of any organization that uses information technology. The network is the backbone of most businesses, and it is essential to protect it from unauthorized access, hacking, and other security threats. While there are various aspects of network security, securing physical access to the network is an essential part of the process. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for securing physical access to the network.
Physical Security Best Practices
When planning your network, make sure rooms are available to house servers and equipment. These rooms should have locks to prevent unauthorized access and be suitable for the equipment being housed. It is essential to consider the environmental factors when selecting the location for your server room. For instance, a server room should not be near sources of water, such as a restroom or kitchen.
If a suitable room isn’t available, locking cabinets (freestanding or wall-mounted) can be purchased to house servers and equipment in public areas. These cabinets should have locks to prevent unauthorized access.
Wiring from workstations to wiring cabinets should be inaccessible to eavesdropping equipment. It is crucial to use secure wiring practices to prevent unauthorized access to network communication. Ensure that cables are not exposed to unauthorized access, such as visible from the exterior.
Your physical security plan should include procedures for recovery from natural disasters, such as fires or floods. Consider establishing offsite backup storage or redundant servers in different locations. The backup data must be encrypted, password-protected, and regularly tested.
Physical Security of Servers
Physical access to servers must be restricted to authorized personnel only. Server rooms should have video surveillance, alarm systems, and access control systems to restrict access. The access control system should require authentication, such as a badge or biometric authentication, before granting access.
Servers should be stored in locked racks, and the racks should have security cameras monitoring the area. If possible, the server racks should be located in a separate, locked room with limited access.
It is crucial to have a maintenance schedule for servers, which includes regular inspections for signs of tampering or unauthorized access. Any detected issue should be addressed promptly.
Security of Internetworking Devices
Internetworking devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, are critical components of any network. These devices are responsible for managing and routing network traffic. As such, they must be secured to prevent unauthorized access.
Internetworking devices should be stored in a locked room or cabinet, just like servers. Access to these devices should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
Devices must be configured with secure passwords and encryption, and they should be regularly updated to protect against new vulnerabilities. Configurations should also be backed up and stored in a secure location, and the backups should be regularly tested to ensure they can be restored.
Conclusion
Securing physical access to the network is an essential aspect of network security. It ensures that unauthorized personnel do not have access to critical network components, such as servers and internetworking devices. Physical security best practices, such as restricting access to authorized personnel, using access control systems, and storing equipment in locked rooms, help prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, procedures for recovery from natural disasters, regular maintenance, and backups are essential in securing the network physically. Following these best practices can help organizations protect their network and the data they store from security threats.