Safeguarding Organisational Assets
Introduction
The secure siting and protection of equipment are vital components of an organisation’s information security framework. By addressing risks from physical and environmental threats, as well as unauthorised access, organisations can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their critical assets.
Purpose of Equipment Siting and Protection
The primary objective of equipment siting and protection is to mitigate risks associated with physical and environmental threats, unauthorised access, and damage. Proper placement and safeguards for equipment help maintain operational efficiency and protect sensitive information.
Guidelines for Secure Equipment Siting and Protection
Minimising Unnecessary Access
Place equipment strategically to limit access into work areas, reducing opportunities for unauthorised personnel to approach sensitive systems.
Positioning Sensitive Information Processing Facilities
Locate facilities handling sensitive data in areas that minimise the risk of unauthorised viewing during use.
Use privacy screens or partitions as needed to shield displays from unintended observers.
Protecting Against Physical and Environmental Threats
Implement controls to mitigate risks from threats such as:
Theft and vandalism
Fire, smoke, and explosions
Water damage or water supply failures
Dust and chemical exposure
Electrical interference and surges
Communication line disruptions and electromagnetic radiation
Ensure that facilities are equipped with fire suppression systems, secure enclosures, and other appropriate safeguards.
Environmental Condition Monitoring
Continuously monitor environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, to prevent adverse effects on equipment performance.
Use sensors and alerts to identify and address potential issues promptly.
Guidelines for Proximity Activities
Prohibit or limit activities such as eating, drinking, and smoking near information processing equipment to prevent contamination or damage.
Lightning and Power Protection
Apply lightning protection systems to all buildings.
Fit lightning protection filters to incoming power and communication lines to safeguard against power surges and related damage.
Special Protection for Industrial Environments
Use specialised protection measures, such as keyboard membranes, to shield equipment from industrial contaminants or extreme conditions.
Electromagnetic Emanation Protection
Implement measures to reduce the risk of information leakage due to electromagnetic emanation, especially for equipment processing confidential information.
Physical Separation of Facilities
Physically separate information processing facilities managed by the organisation from those not under its control. This reduces the risk of unauthorised interference and improves accountability.
Key Concepts and Domains
Control Type: Preventive
Security Properties: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
Cybersecurity Concepts: Protection
Operational Capabilities: Physical Security, Asset Management
Conclusion
Effective siting and protection of equipment are critical to an organisation’s ability to manage risks and maintain operational continuity. By implementing these guidelines, organisations can ensure that their equipment is safeguarded against physical, environmental, and unauthorised access threats.
A proactive and structured approach to equipment siting and protection reinforces organisational resilience, supports compliance with security standards, and protects valuable information assets from harm.
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