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  Good Practices for Physical Security
 
Executive Summary
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Up to date protection for your system in cyber space is important, but you also need to consider the physical security of your system and all its accessories are up to date. Here are some basic steps that you can easily put into practice.
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Basic Facility Security
Locks should be on all doors, desks and file cabinets.  Keep doors locked at all times to unattended rooms with computers and equipment such as phone closets, communications gear, etc.

Consider cipher locks or access cards for frequent traffic into areas that house your important information.

  • Anonymity - do not use signs such as “Server Room” on doors
  • Alarms
  • Floor-to-ceiling walls around these sensitive areas

Secure Software

  • Store securely, lock away all software disks, backup disks/tapes
  • Isolate sensitive data  such as payroll, financial, or systems with very sensitive data from both the internal network and the Internet
  • Monitor dial-in modems.  Beware of direct modem dial-in connections to a computer. Many have them, and they can answer calls made to them
  • Separate computers physically
  • Consider hardware and data theft prevention devices:
    • Install Removable hard drives - locked away at night
    • Use tie-down cable locks for laptop and desktop systems

Inventory
It is important to know what you have.  Confer with your insurance agent on the best way to document and update your inventory and keep a copy of the inventory off-site.

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