Not all network and server security devices and methods installed on, attached to, or integrate with computer hardware and software. The first line of defense for any server-based system, data center, or facility is its physical security. Physical security is all about keeping the computing assets safe, functioning, secure, and away from all intruders. Although we'll treat it as a separate topic, the environmental systems and controls for the physical environment should be a part of an organization's security policies.
In this chapter, we'll look at the physical security and environmental controls that protect computing systems. The topic areas covered are as follows:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- General physical security concepts
- Environmental controls
- Physical safety issues