What to do When Cyber Attacks Become Physical

In today's digital age, businesses face an ever-increasing threat from cyber-attacks. While most people think of cyber-attacks as purely virtual incidents, it's important to recognise that these attacks can have physical consequences as well. For example, untrained staff members can accidentally cause a cyber-security incident - not all cyber-attacks are malicious. It is best not to rely solely on your employees to maintain 100% cyber-security. To protect valuable data and information, the smarter solution for businesses is to adopt a comprehensive physical security plan.

What Is Tailgating?

One type of cyber-attack that highlights the physical aspect is known as "tailgating." This occurs when an unauthorised person follows an authorised individual into a restricted area without proper authentication. By exploiting the trust-based nature of access control systems, the attacker gains unauthorised physical access to sensitive areas, potentially compromising data and information.

What Is Piggybacking?

Another form of cyber-attack that can have physical implications is "piggybacking." In this scenario, an attacker latches onto an authorised user's credentials to gain unauthorised access. By posing as a legitimate user, the attacker can enter restricted areas, bypassing security measures. This type of attack not only jeopardises the integrity of data but also compromises physical security.

Theft Of Assets And Vandalisation

However, the risks go beyond unauthorised access. Physical cyber-attacks can include theft of IT assets and vandalising devices. Attackers may steal valuable hardware, such as servers or laptops, which can result in severe financial losses for businesses. Vandalism of devices can disrupt operations and cause significant downtime. Additionally, attackers can install malicious software or establish remote access to gain control over critical systems, further exacerbating the damage caused by the attack.

It is essential to understand that adherence to regulations like the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) does not guarantee complete safety from cyber-attacks. While such regulations aim to protect personal data and privacy, they do not directly address the physical security aspect. Businesses need to go beyond regulatory compliance and develop comprehensive strategies that encompass both digital and physical security.

The scale of the threat is staggering. In the United Kingdom alone, approximately 65,000 data breach attempts occur every day, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures. Businesses must take proactive steps to safeguard their infrastructure from cyber-attacks that can have physical implications.

One solution lies in upgrading the IT infrastructure. This may involve the implementation of micro-data centres and security rooms that provide controlled and monitored environments for critical systems. Micro-data centres offer localised computing power and storage, reducing the potential impact of physical attacks on the overall infrastructure. Security rooms can provide centralised monitoring and control, allowing businesses to respond quickly to potential threats.

Furthermore, organisations should prioritise training and awareness programmes for their staff members. Educating employees about cyber-security best practices and the potential physical consequences of their actions can significantly reduce the risk of accidental cyber-security incidents.

But ultimately, we recommend that businesses upgrade their IT infrastructures first. By doing so, they can mitigate the risk of physical cyber-attacks and protect their valuable data and information, whilst also benefiting from the protection from the elements, wear-and-tear, and other risks that exposed electronic devices can be at risk of.

For more information on What to do When Cyber Attacks Become Physical talk to Rittal Ltd