Physical security is a vital part of any security plan and is fundamental to all security efforts--without it, information security is considerably more difficult, if not impossible, to initiate. Physical security refers to the protection of building sites and equipment. You are an important part of maintaining the physical security at Metro.
A Few Tips
Physical Site Security
- Monitor and report suspicious activity in or near Metro’s entry/exit points, loading docks, parking areas, garages, and immediate vicinity. Call security 615-862-6599 if you see anything suspicious.
- Be aware of secure areas. Not all areas in Metro are open to public.
- Wear your badges where they are viewable at all times.
- Do not loan your badge to another.
- Please keep your work space neat. If it is messy, you may not notice when something is missing. Throughout the day:
- Lock sensitive documents and computer media in drawers or filing cabinets
- Physically secure laptops with security cables
- Secure your workstation before walking away (Ctrl+Alt+Delete or Windows Key + L)
- Be cautious when printing sensitive documents to printers.Don’t let the printouts sit unattended.
- At the end of the day, take a moment to:
- Don’t be afraid to say no. Metro prides itself on good customer service. Social engineers take advantage of this. When encountering a bit of resistance, they will boldly press on. They may also impersonate a senior manager or claim to be from their office. In the military, this is known as "awe of rank". Don't fall for it.
- Beware of piggybacking and tailgating. Piggybacking occurs when an authorized person allows someone to follow them through a door to secure area. Tailgating occurs when an unauthorized person slips in through a door before it closes. Do not hold the door for anyone you do not know personally and make sure no one slips in behind you.
Device Security
- Treat your devices like cash. Keep the same watchful eye on your laptop as you would on your cash.
- Lock your laptop with a security cable. Attach it to something immovable or to a heavy piece of furniture — say, a table or a desk.
- Be on guard in airports and hotels.
- Don't leave your devices unguarded — even for a minute.
- Don't leave your devices in a car.
- Don’t keep passwords with your laptop or in its case.
- Downplay your laptop or mobile device - Avoid using your device in public areas, and consider non-traditional bags for carrying your laptop.
- Be aware of your surroundings - Take precautions to shield yourself from "shoulder surfers"—make sure that no one can see you type your passwords or see any sensitive information on your screen.
- Carefully dispose of mobile devices - Make sure you wipe the information from your smartphone before disposal.