Physical Security and Awareness

Overview

Despite being a major threat to information security, physical security is often overlooked when it comes to protecting data; however, good physical security is one of the best ways to prevent an IT security incident.  

Tips for Better Physical Security (and Avoiding an IT Security Incident)

• Be aware of strangers in your area. If a stranger enters your immediate office area, you are within your rights to confront the individual(s) and ask if assistance is needed. If they are behaving suspiciously or refuse to leave, contact NCU Security immediately.
• Lock your office when you leave. This not only means when you leave at the end of the day, but also when you leave for short periods, such as a bathroom break down the hall. It only takes a few minutes for someone to enter your space and steal property or information.
• Store passwords in your head. Do not write a password down on a piece of paper. Taping it to the bottom of a keyboard has been tried many times, and is not safe in any way. 
• Be wary of unknown USB drives. Do not plug a USB drive into your computer, if you do not know who owns it. Likewise, should you discover a suspicious USB drive plugged into your computer, remove it and immediately contact the IT Service Desk. 

How to Report an IT Security Incident

• Web - Report an incident by using the IT security incident form.
• Phone - Report an incident by calling the IT service desk @ 612.343.4170
• In person - IT Service Desk, Miller Hall