Domain 4 of 5 · Chapter 2 of 8

Physical Security

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Included in this chapter:

  • Layered physical defense: deter, detect, delay, respond
  • The control toolbox: cameras, locks, vestibules, asset and tamper
  • Exam-pattern recognition: pick the control for the goal

Physical controls by goal and function

ControlPrimary functionWhat it doesDefeats
Camera / CCTVDeterrent + detectiveDiscourages and records activity, often with motion detectionAnonymous or unobserved entry
Lock (key, cipher, badge, biometric)PreventiveRestricts who can open a door or rackUnauthorized entry
Access-control vestibule (mantrap)PreventiveAdmits one person at a time between two interlocked doorsTailgating / piggybacking
Asset tag + trackingDetective + deterrentTies gear to an owner and flags removalTheft and untracked moves
Tamper seal / intrusion detectionDetectiveReveals a case was opened or a part swappedCovert tampering
Cheat sheet

Cheat sheet

  • Physical access defeats logical controls, so the room is the perimeter
  • Layer controls to deter, detect, delay, and respond
  • A camera is detective and a deterrent, but never preventive
  • An access-control vestibule defeats tailgating
  • Badge and biometric locks add an audit trail keyed locks lack
  • Cipher and keyed locks have no per-user accountability
  • Lock the rack inside the locked room for a second delay layer
  • Asset tags track and deter theft but do not prevent it
  • Tamper seals and chassis intrusion detection reveal covert access
  • Match the stem's verb: prevent entry versus record an event
  • Physical controls are the wrong answer for a remote attack
  • Provider-hosted gear shifts physical security to contracts and audits

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Also tested in

References

  1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 — Security and Privacy Controls: Physical and Environmental Protection (PE) control family Whitepaper