Physical Protections That Can Prevent Cybersecurity Risks

The physical security of our devices aims to keep our information safe by incorporating a series of protection measures that go beyond installing an antivirus. From keeping our computers under surveillance to establishing protections against access to information by third parties, in the following article, we will delve into this field of cybersecurity and its impact on the user.

Young images applied in cybersecurity when it comes to cybersecurity, most of us will think that efforts to keep cybercriminals at bay will be focused on applying protection measures linked to software, such as antivirus and acquiring good habits when browsing the net to avoid risks.

However, there is another fundamental branch within cybersecurity that has the objective of protecting the physical security of our devices at 2 levels :

Hardware protection: are those protection measures designed to maintain the integrity of devices, peripherals (hard drives, USB, etc.) and hardware, that is, the set of physical or material elements that make up our devices.

Data protection: the objective of cybercriminals is usually to obtain information, not the destruction of the device itself, so it is essential to apply protection measures that affect the transmission and storage of this data.

In this way, through a series of good practices and physical protections, it is possible to prevent third parties from having access to our devices and the information stored on them. 

What types of incidents are related to physical security?

Cyberbullying image stealing data physical security incidents are many and varied and, as we have already commented, are related to allowing third parties with malicious intent to access them.

From a laptop out of sight and unlocked, to a lost USB device, they are just the beginning of what can end up being a serious incident for our security and privacy.

Threats to physical security are organized as follows:

Physical access. In the event that a third party wants to attack our system or steal information from our device if they have physical access to it, the chances of success will multiply.

For example: if we are writing an important email from our laptop, while traveling by train for work, and we are not careful to block it when we get up to go to the bathroom, we run the risk of a third party having access to our device. From this point, the risks are many, from reading the content of the email or other emails to the modification of information, the theft of data or even infection by malware through a USB device.

Physical integrity. Sometimes, the protection of our equipment does not consist in defending it from possible attacks or manipulation by third parties. Sometimes, the protection lies in maintaining the physical integrity of our devices and protecting them from possible shocks, falls or damage produced, in many cases, by mishandling or improper maintenance. After all, these are often delicate devices that require special care.

For example: imagine that we are conscious users and we like to create backup copies of our data every so often. To do this, we have a hard drive where we store photos, important documents, and other sensitive files. But, due to a mistake, we misplaced the hard drive, it falls off a shelf and ends up hitting the floor. This is an accident that can happen to anyone, but it can render this storage device and it’s content unusable.

Information exhibition. These are situations in which, due to lack of good practices or misunderstandings, there are leaks or losses of information where we are responsible. It is common for us to use physical elements to store or record certain information, such as a notebook with passwords or an agenda with contact information, appointments and other sensitive information. Or, in other cases, we end up publishing and exposing them on the web, through social networks. Unfortunately, we are not always aware of the consequences of this data ending up in the wrong hands and we do not carry out adequate protection measures.

For example: suppose, to combat bad memory, we decide to use a post-it on our laptop with the username and password of our email. Inadvertently, we are making the job of any cybercriminal or malicious person who, with a quick glance in a public place, could use the credentials to carry out a cyber attack.

These are, as a general rule, the most common types of threats that our security and privacy face. However, physical security encompasses much more, including natural disasters and device theft.

Also Read: How To Avoid Being A Victim Of Cyber Attacks In Video Games And Esports

How can we protect ourselves?

Computer image with safe tipThe protection measures linked to physical security are many and depend largely on the context and the device we want to protect. In addition, although many of them are highly effective against attackers, they must be compatible with other measures that are not directly related to physical security, but that maximize the protection of our security and privacy:

• Avoid leaving information or personal data in view of everyone, such as credentials or emails.
• Lock the device once we have stopped using it or if we are going to be absent momentarily.
• It is important not to lose sight of our devices at any time . Especially if we are in a public place and, through carelessness, we run the risk of losing it or having it stolen.
• Store our devices or those storage devices that contain sensitive information in safe places, without risk of shocks, falls, or near liquids and without extreme temperatures. This is a good practice to prevent the devices and the information they store from being damaged.
• Make backup copies every so often. Although it is not a protection measure against physical attacks, it is a good practice that will minimize its consequences.
• The encryption of the device is another useful measure of protection to prevent, in case of loss or theft, a third party could access our files and personal information.
• To avoid possible attacks and infections by means of USB devices, it is advisable to configure our equipment to prevent this type of device from executing itself and to carry out an analysis of them using the installed antivirus.
• Ultimately, it is highly recommended that we install anti-theft or lost apps on our devices.

In conclusion, physical security threats constitute a significant risk to our computers and the information stored on them. To avoid this, remember to follow the publications on our website and apply the protection measures that you will find on it.

Also Read: How To Protect Ourselves From phishing