How Physical Security Can Be Applied to Cybersecurity

Computer and network security is a complex issue for resource-constrained organizations. Businesses that would never leave a window or door unlocked can still be extremely vulnerable to a swarm of information security threats, from ransomware and malware to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.

As AGB Founder and CEO John Griffin Jr. writes in Forbes, every organization is now a triad of people, property and data. AGB Cyber Division applies the best practices of physical security assessment, implementation and training to the cyber realm.

This integrated approach is necessary because physical and information security are increasingly interdependent. According to Gartner, 50% of asset-intensive organizations such as utilities, resources, and manufacturing firms will converge their cyber, physical and supply chain security teams under one chief security officer role by 2025.

AGB believes a holistic security posture is the best way to protect people, property and data. For both physical and information security, the strategy has four key elements:

• Threat assessment. A thorough analysis will pay special attention to known vulnerabilities. Is the computer and network infrastructure properly maintained? Like old locks and unreliable security cameras, unpatched enterprise software makes it easier for attackers to enter.
• Implementation. The next step sets priorities for what the client can put in place and where managed solutions can help. Physical security requires best-in-class equipment, such as strong locks and security cameras. Cyber demands strong passwords, two-factor authentication, encrypted data and network firewalls.
• Monitoring and Testing. Because 100% prevention isn’t affordable or feasible, monitoring is essential. At its Global Security Operations Center (SOC), just as in its guard deployments, employees are continuously trained and certified in the latest security tactics. Finally, penetration testing (or “pen testing”) validates the security approach, physical or cyber.
• Today’s interconnected remote workforce means every employee is part of the security apparatus. That means a commitment to training about new threats and incident response.

AGB’s personnel, processes, and technology are aligned to prevent, detect, analyze and respond to all security incidents, from network breaches to physical attacks. AGB offers a full suite of security consulting services for both integrated guarding and information security auditing, compliance, recovery and management. Request a free consultation today.