Businesses rely on technology for nearly every part of their daily operations, from storing sensitive information and communicating with customers to controlling who can enter a building. As these systems become increasingly connected, the line between cybersecurity and physical security is becoming less distinct.
Cybersecurity is often associated with protecting computers, networks, accounts, and data, while physical security focuses on protecting people, facilities, and equipment. However, treating these areas as completely separate can create security gaps.
Modern security cameras, access control systems, network infrastructure, cloud applications, and business devices often operate on the same connected technology environment. A comprehensive security strategy should consider how all of these systems work together.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting an organization’s digital systems, networks, devices, and information from unauthorized access, disruption, or attack.
Businesses face a variety of cybersecurity risks, including phishing attempts, compromised credentials, malware, unauthorized account access, and vulnerable or outdated systems. Protecting against these threats often involves several layers of security, such as:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Endpoint protection
- Network monitoring
- Regular software updates and patching
- Secure backups
- Email security
- Employee cybersecurity awareness
- Proper account and access management
Rather than relying on a single security measure, businesses should use multiple safeguards to reduce the likelihood that one compromised account or device can affect the rest of the organization.
What Is Physical Security?
Physical security protects an organization’s people, property, equipment, and facilities from unauthorized access, theft, damage, and other physical threats.
For many businesses, physical security includes technologies such as video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and other security systems.
An access control system, for example, can help determine who is permitted to enter certain areas of a facility. Video surveillance provides visibility into activity around a property, while intrusion detection can alert an organization to potential unauthorized entry.
These systems provide important protection on their own, but today’s physical security technology increasingly depends on the organization’s network and IT infrastructure.
Where Physical Security and Cybersecurity Meet
A modern surveillance camera is more than just a camera. Many security cameras are IP-based devices connected to a business network. Access control platforms may also use network connectivity, cloud-based management, user accounts, and software to operate.
That means a physical security device can also become part of an organization’s overall technology environment.
Consider an office with network-connected cameras and electronic access control. The organization needs to think not only about where cameras and readers are installed, but also about questions such as:
Who has access to the security platforms?
Permissions should be limited to the employees who actually need them, and access should be updated when responsibilities change or employees leave the organization.
How are security devices connected to the network?
Network infrastructure should be designed with security, reliability, and the requirements of connected devices in mind.
Are devices and software being maintained?
Like other technology, network-connected security systems may require updates, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance.
Is the underlying infrastructure reliable?
Cameras, access control devices, wireless access points, computers, and other systems all depend on the infrastructure connecting them.
These are no longer exclusively “IT” questions or “physical security” questions. They require both sides to work together.
Why a Disconnected Approach Can Create Problems
Problems can arise when different technology systems are installed and managed without considering how they interact.
A security system may be properly installed but connected to an aging or poorly organized network. A company might have strong cybersecurity controls while overlooking who can physically access networking equipment. New cameras or access control devices may be added without considering network capacity or how those devices should be managed.
Even something as fundamental as structured cabling can affect the performance and reliability of the technology built on top of it.
Taking a coordinated approach helps businesses build an environment in which the network, infrastructure, IT systems, and physical security technology support one another rather than operating as isolated pieces.
Building a More Complete Security Strategy
Businesses don’t necessarily need to replace every system to improve their security. A good starting point is understanding what technology is currently in place and identifying potential gaps.
Organizations should consider reviewing:
- User accounts and permissions
- Network-connected devices
- Network infrastructure
- Software and firmware updates
- Video surveillance coverage
- Access control permissions
- Physical access to critical technology
- Backup and recovery procedures
- Cybersecurity policies and employee training
It is also important to think about future needs. When renovating an office, moving locations, expanding a facility, or upgrading technology, planning IT and physical security together can make it easier to build an environment that is secure, organized, and capable of supporting future growth.
One Partner. Complete Technology Solutions.
Technology works best when the systems behind it are designed to work together.
Bailey Systems provides integrated business technology solutions across managed IT services, cybersecurity, structured cabling, network infrastructure, video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection. By considering both digital and physical security, organizations can take a more comprehensive approach to protecting their people, data, facilities, and operations.
Whether you’re planning a new technology project, evaluating your current environment, or looking for ongoing IT support, Bailey Systems can help identify solutions that fit your organization’s needs.
Contact Bailey Systems to start a conversation about your IT, infrastructure, or security needs.
