Why Physical Security and Cybersecurity Must Be Closely Aligned 

In today’s hyper-connected world, physical and cybersecurity are no longer distinct silos.

The increasing convergence of digital systems with physical infrastructure has created a new reality: threats to one domain often pose risks to the other. Organizations must integrate these two areas to avoid exposing themselves to significant vulnerabilities, operational disruptions, and regulatory challenges. A breach in physical security can enable cyberattacks on everything from Internet of Things (IoT) devices to critical infrastructure, while cybersecurity failures can compromise physical safety systems.  

This blog will discuss why aligning physical and cyber security is essential, provide compelling data points, and share a real-world example to highlight the urgency. 

The Convergence of Physical and Cyber Threats 

Traditionally, physical security focused on protecting assets like buildings, equipment, and personnel; meanwhile, cybersecurity aimed to safeguard networks, data, and IT systems. However, digital transformation and technological advancements have dissolved these boundaries. 

Today, physical security systems—like surveillance cameras, access control systems, and smart locks—are increasingly connected to the Internet, making them part of the broader cybersecurity landscape. Cyber-physical systems (CPS), such as power grids, water treatment facilities, and IoT devices, bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms. 

Data-Driven Evidence 

• The World Economic Forum (2022) reported that 95% of cybersecurity breaches occur due to human errors, which are often tied to gaps in integrating physical and cyber systems. 
• A Ponemon Institute study revealed that 68% of organizations identify insider threats (intentional and accidental) as a significant risk to security. 
• Cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure rose by 93% in 2021 (IBM Security X-Force). Many of these incidents stemmed from weaknesses in physical systems or combined attack strategies. 

In other words, when security systems are siloed, vulnerabilities in one domain can cascade into another. 

The Role of IoT and Smart Devices 

One of the leading causes of convergence is the rise of IoT devices. These devices connect physical systems—such as cameras, HVAC systems, and building access controls—to the Internet, enabling enhanced monitoring and automation. 

However, IoT devices are often deployed with weak or default cybersecurity measures, creating new attack surfaces for threat actors. A compromised IoT device can: 

• Serve as a backdoor into enterprise networks. 
• Allow unauthorized access to secure physical locations. 
• Disrupt business operations by hijacking critical physical systems. 

Real-World Example: The Casino Fish Tank Hack 

A chilling example of cyber and physical security convergence occurred in a North American casino. The casino used a smart thermostat to regulate the temperature in an aquarium fish tank. The casino connected the device to its network, but its security controls needed strengthening. 

Hackers exploited this smart thermostat vulnerability to gain access to the network. Once inside, they exfiltrated 10GB of sensitive customer data, including high-roller profiles and financial details. 

This incident underscores how a seemingly harmless IoT device in a physical setting can become an entry point for cybercriminals. Organizations must recognize that physical infrastructure and digital networks are now intertwined and require a unified security approach. 

Related: The Top 10 Reasons to Conduct a Cybersecurity Exercise

Insider Threats: A Shared Risk 

Insider threats pose risks to both physical and cyber domains, whether intentional or accidental. Employees, contractors, or vendors with access to secure locations or systems can compromise organizational security. For example: 

• An employee might use a stolen access badge to enter a data center and install malware directly onto a server. 
• A third-party vendor may unintentionally introduce a vulnerability by connecting to a network through an insecure device. 

68% of organizations rank insider threats as their top security concern (Ponemon Institute). Failing to align physical and cyber security makes detecting, responding to, and mitigating these threats harder. 

Unified Access Control 

By aligning physical and cybersecurity, organizations can implement integrated access control systems that: 

• Combine physical credentials (badges, biometrics) with cybersecurity measures (multi-factor authentication). 
• Correlate physical access logs with digital activity, enabling faster detection of anomalies. 
• Prevent unauthorized physical access to areas like server rooms, reducing the risk of cyber sabotage. 

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities 

Critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, healthcare, and manufacturing, rely heavily on cyber-physical systems. A disruption in one domain often impacts the other. For example: 

• A cyberattack on an electrical grid can cause physical blackouts that halt essential services. 
• Conversely, physical sabotage of power facilities can turn off cybersecurity monitoring systems. 

Case Study: The Oldsmar Water Plant Attack 

In 2021, hackers exploited weak cybersecurity measures to gain access to the Oldsmar, Florida, water treatment plant. The attackers attempted to alter the levels of lye (a harmful chemical) in the water supply. Fortunately, the breach was detected in time, preventing harm. 

This incident demonstrated the need for strong physical access controls (e.g., restricted entry to plant systems) and robust cybersecurity protocols (e.g., network monitoring and multi-factor authentication). 

Organizations operating critical infrastructure must adopt a holistic security approach to protect against hybrid threats. 

The Benefits of Aligning Physical and Cyber Security 

Aligning physical and cyber security isn’t just about mitigating risks; it delivers several tangible benefits: 

1. Improved Situational Awareness 

• Unified Security Operations Centers (SOCs) provide a single glass pane for monitoring physical and cyber threats. 
• Correlating data from cameras, badge systems, and network logs enables faster threat detection. 

2. Faster Incident Response 

• Integrated systems reduce response times by up to 50%. 
• Automated alerts ensure both physical and cyber security teams are informed simultaneously. 

3. Cost Efficiency 

• Combined investments in technologies (e.g., AI-powered surveillance) reduce redundancy. 
• Shared training programs for teams improve skills without increasing budgets. 

4. Regulatory Compliance 

• Standards like NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS require safeguarding physical assets and digital systems. 
• Integrated security measures help organizations meet compliance obligations more effectively. 

How to Align Physical and Cyber Security 

Here are actionable steps organizations can take to align these two critical domains: 

1. Conduct a Unified Risk Assessment 

• Identify overlapping vulnerabilities in both physical and cyber systems. 
• Evaluate risks from IoT devices, insider threats, and critical infrastructure. 

2. Integrate Security Operations 

• Establish a unified SOC for monitoring physical and cyber threats. 
• Use integrated tools like AI-powered video analytics and network monitoring systems. 

3. Implement Converged Access Controls 

• Use multi-factor authentication and biometric access for both physical and digital assets. 
• Combine physical badge systems with network login credentials. 

4. Strengthen IoT Security 

• Enforce strong passwords, encryption, and regular updates for all IoT devices. 
• Segment IoT networks to prevent unauthorized access. 

5. Cross-Train Teams 

• Train physical security teams on cybersecurity principles and vice versa. 
• Conduct joint tabletop exercises to simulate hybrid security incidents. 

Final Thoughts 

The lines between physical and cybersecurity have blurred, and organizations can no longer afford to treat them as separate functions. Whether an IoT thermostat compromises a casino network, or an insider gains unauthorized physical access to critical systems, integrated threats are on the rise. 

Aligning physical and cyber security provides a unified approach to threat detection, incident response, and risk mitigation. Organizations that adopt this integrated model will improve their resilience, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. 

By recognizing the interconnected nature of today’s threats and taking proactive steps to address them, businesses can protect both their physical assets and their digital data. 

Key Takeaways 

• Physical and cybersecurity are inseparable in the modern threat landscape. 
• IoT devices and critical infrastructure create unique vulnerabilities that bridge both domains. 
• Real-world incidents, like the casino fish tank hack and Oldsmar water plant attack, highlight the risks of unaligned systems. 
• Integrating security operations, access controls, and risk assessments ensures a more robust defense against hybrid threats. 

Sources: 

1. World Economic Forum, 2022. 
2. Ponemon Institute Insider Threat Study. 
3. IBM Security X-Force Threat Intelligence Report, 2021. 
4. Statista IoT Projections, 2030. 
5. News Reports on Oldsmar Water Plant Hack (2021).