With all the buzz about cyber security, organizations are paying very little attention to the physical aspects of cyber security.
For many professionals, cybersecurity remains a vague concept; understood only by their IT departments or their MSPs; consisting of intangible products and concepts, such as software, updating, patching, and the cloud. However, physical cybersecurity is just as important as the intangible aspects of it.
Many of the largest breaches in the world occurred because criminals got access to data because of physical device loss, because a device was left out for anyone to access or because the data was stored on an antiquated device.
What is Physical Cyber Security?
Part of physical cyber security is common sense as well as taking extra precautions. The other part is using the proper technology to manage, secure, and also dispose of data. You’re taking additional, physical measures to secure and restrict the data you handle electronically.
How?
- Have your staff physically lock down their workstations, files, zip drives, mobile devices, portable equipment, as well as computers at the end of the workday and every time they step away from their desks.
- Never leave papers or devices visible in the windows of empty cars or houses.
- Shred everything.
- Encrypt everything.
- Understand that fax machines, printers and copiers store information as well. Keep them locked up when unattended and accessible only to approved staff. Destroy them completely after completely using them.
- Completely destroy all devices with a data crusher when you’re finished using them.
- Lastly, minimize the Personal Identity Information, (PII), your organization handles electronically.
What is PII?
- Complete names and middle initials,
- Drivers’ license or State ID card numbers,
- Social security numbers,
- Financial account numbers like credit/debit card numbers,
- Passwords, security answers, card codes, and
- Medical and health insurance info
Contact us today at Phiston Technologies. There’s no such thing as erasing or wiping data. When you’re done with a device, the only way to get rid of the data is to completely destroy the device. We offer one of the only secure, government-approved, data destruction solutions on the market.
