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8/22/2005
Clearly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the demands for physical security on campus. However, the following guidelines can help your institution’s administrators choose the security practice—or combination of practices—that will best suit campus needs.
Two-factor authentication. All points of access to facilities with computers containing sensitive information should be controlled by checkpoints or coded card readers using two-factor authentication that is based on both “something you know” (PIN or password) and “something you have” (token or key), to restrict access to authorized personnel only. Two-factor authentication is a nice compromise between rigorous security and reasonable cost and convenience. (See “Smart Cards,” below) Reserve biometrics for very high-security environments. The cost for this technology will continue to fall as it matures; as that happens, it may be considered for additional locations.
Don’t drop traditional tools; watch for internal problems. Remember that good physical security d'esn’t eliminate the need for firewalls, antiviral protection, or any of the other more traditional cyber-infrastructure security tools. (And don’t forget that disgruntled employees present a much higher threat to your institution than external hackers and thieves.)
Where there’s a will… Finally, remember that any lock can be picked with a big enough hammer.
Get Secure
Think your campus is physically secure? Take this quiz.
You passed if you answered “yes” to all questions.
Doug Gale is president of Information Technology Associates, LLC (www.it associates.org) an IT consultancy specializing in higher education. He has more than 30 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member, CIO, and research administrator.
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