Definition
Physical security refers to the protection of personnel, hardware, software, networks, and data from physical actions and events that could cause serious loss or damage to an organization. This involves implementing measures to prevent unauthorized physical access, environmental hazards, and other threats to physical assets. In practice, it encompasses everything from securing server rooms and data centers to controlling access to office buildings and sensitive equipment. Strong physical security is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and protecting valuable resources from theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. For example, using security guards, surveillance cameras, and access control systems like keycards are all components of physical security. Unlike logical security, which deals with protecting data through software and access controls, physical security focuses on tangible barriers and environmental controls. This concept is fundamental to certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CISSP, as well as AWS security certifications.