Physical Attacks - CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 - 2.4
Understanding Physical Security Attacks
Overview of Physical Attacks
- The course discusses technology and security concerns, emphasizing that physical attacks are a significant threat independent of digital vulnerabilities.
- Physical attacks target the hardware level rather than software or operating systems, highlighting the need to consider physical security in overall system protection.
Importance of Physical Access
- Gaining physical access to a computer allows an attacker to bypass any operating system protections, underscoring the critical nature of securing physical locations.
- The phrase "door locks only keep out the honest people" illustrates that additional security measures are necessary beyond basic locking mechanisms.
Types of Physical Attacks
Brute Force Attacks
- Brute force can be applied physically by forcing open locked doors or windows, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive infrastructure.
RFID Cloning
- RFID technology is commonly used for access control; cloning an RFID badge can grant attackers identical access rights as legitimate users.
- RFID cloners are readily available online for under $50, making it easy for attackers to duplicate access cards quickly and discreetly.
Environmental Attacks
Disabling Power Systems
- An environmental attack may involve turning off power in a data center from outside the building, demonstrating how external threats can impact internal systems.
HVAC System Vulnerabilities