Encrypted and secure

Physical Security

IT security needs stable foundations

Physical security protects IT systems against theft, sabotage and environmental hazards. Companies benefit from reduced downtime, secure data protection and regulatory compliance. Manufacturers can deliver reliable, resilient products. Controlling physical risks strengthens trust and business continuity.

Eine Person schreibt etwas an einem Laptop

Focus on security

Protection from physical threats

Physical security in the context of information security

In the context of information security, physical security refers to all measures that serve to protect IT systems, data and infrastructure from physical threats. This includes risks such as theft, vandalism, fire, water, unauthorised access or power failure. The aim is to ensure the availability, confidentiality and integrity of information. Physical security is an important pillar of the information security management system (ISMS), as required by ISO/IEC 27001, for example.

Typical measures include

Access control systems (e.g. keys, cards, biometric scanners)
Video surveillance and intrusion detection systems
Fire protection and air conditioning systems in server rooms
Security zones and access logging
Backup locations and emergency power supply

Physical security components as physical representations of cryptographic modules

Physical security components are hardware-based elements that implement cryptographic functions and are simultaneously secured against physical manipulation or attacks. They are also known as Hardware Security Modules (HSM), smartcards, Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) or secure elements. These components store and process cryptographic keys in a protected environment.

In contrast to purely software-based solutions, these physical components offer protection against

Manipulation through direct access
interception of memory or communication
Side-channel attacks (e.g. voltage analysis, time measurement)
Reverse engineering

Such components are often certified according to security standards such as FIPS 140-2/3 or Common Criteria certified. They are essential for highly secure applications such as digital signatures, encryption, authentication and key management.

Connection

Physical security components play a dual role in the ISMS: they provide security technologies (e.g. for encryption) and must themselves be physically secured in order to fulfil their protective function. Physical security therefore protects both the infrastructure and the physical carriers of sensitive cryptographic processes.

Advantages of physical security

Protection against physical attacks

Prevents unauthorised access, theft, sabotage or manipulation of IT systems and sensitive devices.

Maintaining availability

Protection against fire, water, power failure or environmental influences keeps systems operational - downtimes are minimised.

Confidentiality and integrity of data

Hardware security components (e.g. HSMs, TPMs) require physical protection so that cryptographic processes cannot be infiltrated.

Legal and regulatory compliance

Many standards (e.g. ISO/IEC 27001, BSI IT-Grundschutz, FIPS) require physical security measures - their implementation protects against fines and liability.