See also: Security | Security through obscurity
Referring to non-infrastructure or non-Internet security such as theft deterance and physical property protection. This type of security refers to local measures designed to prevent damage to hardware. It includes using keys for locking your doors and windows, making sure your car doors are locked everytime you leave your car, etc.
Physical Security is used to prevent attacks, for example a Rubber Hose Attack or Former Employee Attack. The government is usually charged with preservation of military and policing for broad public security, for example against terrorism.
It is important because patches applied to your computer and careful security configuration mean little when someone runs off with your computer/laptop or you want to preserve a Private Network.
Some software tools, such as an encrypted filesystems, can help make a breach of physical security less damaging. See Hard Disk Encryption and File Wipe.
Related Links
- Physical Security – Technical Security’s Biggest Hole
- The Register – People are the biggest security risk
Related Topics
TakeDown.NET -> “Physical-security”