Physical security testing – effective infrastructure protection

At a time when cyber attacks are dominating media headlines, it’s easy to forget the fundamental importance of physical security in protecting businesses’ critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, it is unauthorized access to premises, access cards left unattended or workstations left unlocked that often become the first step to a serious breach of an organization’s security.

As statistics show, more than 60% of security incidents in industrial environments originate from physical security vulnerabilities. That’s why professional physical security penetration testing is becoming an indispensable part of a comprehensive enterprise security strategy. In this article, based on a real implementation case in a large manufacturing company, we present the methodology, practical aspects and benefits of such tests.

Whether you manage a single facility or a distributed industrial infrastructure, understanding the importance and methodology of physical security testing will help you more effectively protect your organization’s critical assets. Read on to learn more about the practical aspects of this fascinating area of security.

Why is physical security as important as cyber security?

In an era of digital transformation and the growing importance of cyber security, many organizations are focusing their efforts on protecting themselves from cyber threats. However, practice shows that physical access to infrastructure can be an equally dangerous avenue of attack, often leading to serious breaches in information security and business continuity.

According to recent studies, more than 60% of serious security incidents in industrial organizations have their genesis in physical security breaches. This could be an access card left unattended, an unlocked workstation or unauthorized access to technical rooms. Any of these incidents can be used by an attacker as the first step to launch a more sophisticated attack.

Particularly in the case of manufacturing facilities and critical infrastructure, where physical access to control systems can lead to a halt in production or even jeopardize the safety of employees, a comprehensive approach to physical security testing and verification is necessary. Our company specializes in performing such testing, combining experience in cyber security with deep knowledge of physical security aspects.

How do we verify the effectiveness of physical safeguards?

Our approach to physical security testing is based on the globally recognized Red Team methodology, which involves simulating the actual actions of potential intruders. Unlike standard security audits, which are often limited to verification of documentation and procedures, our penetration testing allows for hands-on verification of the effectiveness of implemented security measures.

The testing process begins with a detailed reconnaissance, including analysis of publicly available information about the facility and the organization. At this stage, we gather data that a potential attacker could use to plan an intrusion. Then, in consultation with the client, we conduct a series of security penetration tests, using a variety of techniques and tools – from socio-technical attempts to advanced methods of copying access cards.

A key element of our approach is to minimize the impact of testing on the organization’s ongoing operations. All activities are carefully planned and coordinated with client representatives to avoid disruptions to business or production processes. At the same time, we provide full documentation of the tests performed, which allows for later analysis and implementation of appropriate improvements.

What are the benefits of physical security testing?

Conducting professional physical security tests allows organizations to get a real picture of the effectiveness of implemented security measures. Unlike theoretical analyses, our tests provide practical evidence of security vulnerabilities, which significantly facilitates the decision-making process for necessary investments in this area.

An additional value is the ability to use the test results in the process of building security awareness among employees. Concrete examples of identified vulnerabilities and exploitation scenarios provide a convincing argument in the discussion of the importance of following security procedures. Our practice shows that organizations that regularly conduct penetration tests achieve a much higher level of maturity in the area of security culture.

Case study: How did penetration testing help detect critical security vulnerabilities?

An example of the effectiveness of our approach is a recent project for a large manufacturing company with several locations in Poland. As part of the testing, we conducted a comprehensive verification of the physical security of the production halls and adjacent offices, using the Red Team methodology.

Our work has uncovered a number of significant security gaps, including:

• Low awareness of security personnel on identity verification procedures
• Cases of access cards being left unattended in production areas
• Unsecured workstations in office areas
• Gaps in the CCTV surveillance system, allowing reconnaissance to go unnoticed

One particularly significant discovery was that an employee’s access card could be copied during a cigarette break, which, coupled with a lack of proper identity verification by security, allowed unauthorized access to critical areas of the facility.

What are the conclusions of the tests?

Experience gained from numerous physical security testing projects allows us to make several key observations. First and foremost, technical security alone – even the most advanced – is not sufficient without proper staff training and consistent adherence to security procedures.

Another important lesson is the importance of regularity in conducting penetration tests. A one-time security verification can give a false sense of security, while cyclic testing allows you to identify new threats on an ongoing basis and verify the effectiveness of implemented improvements.

Finally, our experience shows that the best results are achieved by combining physical security testing with a security awareness program. Practical examples of identified vulnerabilities provide excellent training material and help employees understand the importance of their role in the organization’s security system.

How do you start a physical security testing partnership?

The process of starting cooperation in the field of physical security testing begins with a detailed analysis of the client’s needs and expectations. At this stage, we define the scope of testing, identify key risk areas, and establish a work schedule that takes into account the specifics of the organization’s operations.

Each project is treated individually, and the testing methodology is tailored to the specific requirements and limitations of the client. We pay special attention to the issue of confidentiality and information security – all activities are carried out discreetly and professionally, with full respect for corporate confidentiality.

Our experience shows that the key to success is close cooperation with client representatives at all stages of the project. This allows us not only to effectively identify potential security vulnerabilities, but also to propose viable and feasible solutions to the identified problems.

What is the full methodology of physical security penetration testing?

Physical security penetration testing methodology is a complex process that requires a systematic and multi-step approach. First, we conduct a detailed analysis of the facility’s technical documentation, including building plans, security system diagrams and security procedures. This stage allows us to identify potential vulnerabilities and plan the most effective test scenarios.

This is followed by the active testing phase, which involves a series of coordinated activities. We use a variety of techniques and tools, from simple social engineering tests to advanced technical methods, such as vulnerability analysis of access control systems or testing the effectiveness of CCTV monitoring. Each activity is carefully documented, and any vulnerabilities found are immediately reported to the client’s designated representatives.

Behavioral analysis is also an important part of our methodology – we observe the reactions of personnel to various test scenarios, which allows us to assess not only the technical aspects of security, but also the human factor in the security system. This holistic approach allows us to get a complete picture of the effectiveness of the implemented security mechanisms.

How do technical aspects affect the effectiveness of safety tests?

Today’s physical security systems are complex technical solutions that combine elements of electronic access control, video surveillance, alarm systems and building automation. As part of our testing, we use specialized tools and techniques to verify the effectiveness of each of these components.

We pay special attention to testing the integration of different security systems. Our practice shows that it is often at the interface of different solutions that security vulnerabilities arise. We use advanced diagnostic tools to analyze communication between systems, identify potential vulnerabilities in communication protocols and verify the effectiveness of authentication mechanisms.

As part of our technical testing, we also conduct simulations of various emergency scenarios, checking how security systems behave in crisis situations. This aspect is particularly important in the context of industrial facilities, where the failure of security systems can lead to serious consequences.

Our experience shows that effective security testing requires not only knowledge of the latest technologies, but also an understanding of the client’s specific industry and business processes. That’s why our team consists of specialists who combine technical competence with experience in various industry sectors.

What is the importance of physical security testing in the context of compliance and risk management?

In today’s business environment, compliance with regulations and industry standards is becoming an increasingly important aspect of security management. Physical security penetration testing is a key component in verifying compliance with the requirements of standards such as ISO 27001, NIST or industry security standards.

Our penetration testing reports provide organizational management not only with information about identified security vulnerabilities, but also with a detailed analysis of the business risks associated with each vulnerability found. This business perspective allows prioritization of remediation efforts and efficient allocation of resources for security improvements.

We also work with compliance and internal audit departments to support the process of assessing the effectiveness of security controls and providing evidence necessary for certification processes. Our reports are prepared in accordance with industry best practices and meet the requirements set by external auditors.

Where is the future of physical security testing headed?

Developments in technology bring not only new security capabilities, but also new challenges for physical security professionals. We are seeing an increasing importance of integrating physical security systems with cyber security solutions, which requires a new approach to penetration testing.

In the near future, we expect to see an increase in the importance of tests aimed at verifying the resilience of security systems to hybrid attacks, combining elements of physical intrusion with cybercrime. We are already developing our competence in this area, investing in team training and expanding our arsenal of testing tools.

Another trend is the growing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in physical security systems. Our testing methodologies are being updated on an ongoing basis to take into account the peculiarities of these solutions and verify their effectiveness in real operational conditions.

Summary

Physical security remains a critical component of an organization’s overall protection system. Professional penetration testing allows for practical verification of the effectiveness of implemented security measures and identification of areas requiring improvement.

Our experience shows that investing in regular physical security testing is not a cost, but a strategic decision to effectively protect an organization’s key assets. Combined with a security awareness program, penetration testing is the foundation of a mature physical security management system.

We invite you to contact us to discuss the details of potential cooperation and work out an optimal solution tailored to your needs.