Essential Computer Security

Information security generally focuses on electronic or digital security measures. IT security professionals evaluate, implement and administer a vast array of security technologies to ensure that data is protected and computer systems are not compromised. The security measures will ostensibly either block the attacks, or at least warn IT security personnel so that steps can be taken to stop the attacks and protect the data. But, what if an attacker simply takes your computer? Given unlimited time and physical access to a server, an attacker may be able to circumvent most of the security measures commonly employed. The most common and well-known security certification, the CISSP, does take physical security into account. But, in most organizations physical security is entirely separate from information security and is not really a consideration for protecting data.

Some customers who use C I Host as their colocation facility have learned the hard way how important physical security is. I had never heard of such things previously, and I am not aware if this goes on with other hosting providers or in other regions around the globe, but apparently the Chicago colocation facility of C I Host has been attacked four times in the past couple of years. Recently, masked bandits used a power saw to cut through a wall. The armed attackers tazered and beat the night manager of the facility and walked out with at least 20 servers belonging to C I Host customers. You can find out more from this article in The Register: Masked thieves storm into Chicago colocation (again!)

Tags: Blog // 1 Comment »