Cybersecurity Risks for Physical Security Systems – Security Sales & Integration

A survey conducted by Genetec states that 36% of responders said they were looking to invest in cybersecurity-related tools to improve their physical security environment.

Well, this shows that being proactive is the first line of defense, and understanding the cybersecurity threats to mitigate them is important. A physical security system keeps your facilities, assets, and people safe.

Due to work and paradigm shifts, physical security has become increasingly connected and integrated with networked devices and software. This means they are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks now than they’ve ever been before. 

Now, you must be curious to know what are the primary threats to physical security systems. Well, below are some key cybersecurity risks to physical security systems:

• Unauthorized access: Hackers may attempt to gain unauthorized access to physical security systems by exploiting vulnerabilities in networked devices, software, or weak authentication mechanisms. The global physical security market size was valued at $127 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at the rate of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030. This physical security cybersecurity example shows that the risks to the physical security system are more today than before. 

Once they gain access to the system, they can manipulate security controls, disable alarms, or tamper with surveillance footage.

• Data breaches: Physical security systems often collect and store sensitive data, such as access logs, video footage, or employee information. If desktops and servers located in public places are left unattended, they can be easily unlocked. Data breaching can occur if an attacker successfully infiltrates the system and gains access to this data. 

• Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks: A DoS attack aims to disrupt the normal functioning of a physical security system by overwhelming it with a flood of network traffic. For example, attackers do this by sending more traffic than the target can handle. This causes it to fail—making it unable to provide service to its normal users. 

Some physical security cybersecurity examples of the targets might include email, online banking, or websites. This can render the system ineffective, leaving vulnerabilities exposed and potentially allowing unauthorized access or physical breaches. 

• Malware and ransomware: As per studies, 300,000 new malware are being created every day and a hacker attack occurs every 39 seconds. Malicious software can infect physical security systems through various means, including infected files, compromised devices, or malicious links.

Physical security systems often rely on network connectivity for monitoring, control, and remote access. If the network infrastructure supporting these systems is compromised, attackers can exploit weaknesses to gain unauthorized access. Once inside the network, they can deploy malware or ransomware to target the physical security devices and compromise their functionality.

• Insider threats: Insiders, such as disgruntled employees or contractors, can pose significant risks to physical security systems. For example, Malware and ransomware attacks can also occur through insider threats. A disgruntled employee, contractor, or someone with authorized access may intentionally introduce malware or ransomware to disrupt operations and steal sensitive information. Insider threats can be challenging to detect as they often have legitimate access rights.

One dramatic recent physical security example that highlights the importance of addressing cybersecurity risks for physical security systems is the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. 

Despite numerous warnings and evidence on social media indicating an impending attack, the lack of preparation and inadequate security measures by Capitol officials led to a disastrous breach. As a result, rioters were able to storm the building, causing five deaths and forcing congresspeople to flee. 

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of how cyber attacks can exploit vulnerabilities within interconnected physical security systems. 

Now you understand the primary threats to physical security, let’s get to the best practices for cybersecurity in physical security systems. 

Best Practices for Cybersecurity in Physical Security Systems

As organizations strive to safeguard their assets and protect them against evolving threats, implementing best practices for cybersecurity in physical security systems has emerged as a critical necessity. 

By establishing a strong foundation of cybersecurity principles, adopting proactive strategies, and implementing AI services for your cyber security solutions, you can fortify your defenses and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. 

Head below to the best practices you should consider when securing your physical security systems in the face of cyber threats. 

Effective network segmentation is crucial to protect physical security systems from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats. By separating these systems from the corporate network, you can create an additional layer of defense. 

One of the key practices for network segmentation includes allowing specific user permission for data access. For example, you can allow users to access some network resources that permit them to carry out their responsibilities while restricting access to sensitive data.

By implementing network segmentation this way, you can create distinct network zones dedicated solely to physical security systems.

For example, a large manufacturing facility can employ network segmentation to separate its access control and surveillance systems from its corporate network. This will ensure that even if one network segment were compromised, it would not affect other critical systems.

In addition, implementing firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), and virtual LANs (VLANs) is another approach used to control traffic. 

• Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) can be used to logically separate and manage network traffic between different physical security components.
• Firewalls play a crucial role in enforcing access control policies and protecting against unauthorized communication between different network segments.
• ACLs can enforce security policies, restrict unauthorized access, and reduce the risk of unauthorized data breaches or malicious activities

According to an article by N-Able, implementing network segmentation through VLANs proves to be a valuable strategy in promoting streamlined communication and maximizing productivity across diverse departments within an organization.