In this video, we discuss cybersecurity in a for of physical attacks as covered on the Information Systems and Controls ISC CPA exam.
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Physical (On-Premises) Attacks refer to a type of security violation where an unauthorized individual (often referred to as a bad actor) physically accesses an organization's facility to gain unauthorized control over sensitive information, hardware, or software. This category of attack is distinct because it involves direct, physical interaction with the organization's assets, rather than remote digital methods.

To expand and explain further:

Types of Physical Attacks:

Tailgating: An attacker physically follows an authorized person into a restricted area without being noticed.
Dumpster Diving: Searching through an organization's trash to find sensitive documents that have not been properly disposed of.
Lock Picking: Gaining unauthorized access to premises by manipulating physical locks.
USB Drops: Leaving infected USB drives in areas where employees might find and use them, unknowingly installing malware on their systems.
Targets and Risks:

Sensitive Data: Physical access can allow attackers to bypass digital security measures to steal sensitive data such as personal information, financial records, or intellectual property.
Hardware Theft or Tampering: Devices like laptops, servers, or networking equipment can be stolen or tampered with, leading to data breaches or persistent security vulnerabilities.
Software Manipulation: Installing malicious software on an organization’s systems can give attackers remote access, allowing for data theft, surveillance, or further attacks.
Mitigation Strategies:

Physical Security Measures: Employing guards, using biometric access controls, and installing surveillance cameras can help prevent unauthorized access.
Awareness and Training: Educating employees about the risks of physical attacks and training them to follow security protocols, like not holding doors open for strangers.
Secure Disposal of Sensitive Materials: Implementing policies for securely disposing of documents and devices that contain sensitive information.
Device Control: Restricting the use of removable media and encrypting data on devices to protect against theft or unauthorized access.
Challenges and Considerations:

Balancing accessibility and security is crucial. Overly restrictive measures may hinder legitimate work, while too lax security can expose critical vulnerabilities.
Physical security is often overlooked in favor of digital security measures, but both are equally important in protecting against comprehensive threats.
Understanding and addressing the risk of physical on-premises attacks is vital for organizations to protect their assets from all possible angles of attack. Implementing a layered security approach that includes both digital and physical defenses is crucial to safeguard against the evolving landscape of threats.





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