Episode 24 — Guard physical access to cardholder areas relentlessly
Physical controls protect the boundary conditions for systems and media that process or store account data, and the exam looks for designs that blend deterrence, detection, and accountability. This episode clarifies scope: data centers hosting payment systems, network closets that anchor segmented routes, POS back rooms, and media storage locations. You will connect layered barriers—badged doors, mantraps for high-value zones, visitor escorting, and camera coverage—to evidence like access control system exports, badge assignment records, visitor logs, and video retention policies. Media handling is part of the picture; locked containers, chain-of-custody logs, and secure destruction methods demonstrate that removable media and backups do not bypass technical protections. Inventory and periodic inspection of devices, including POS terminals and encrypting card readers, provide assurance that tampering and substitution attempts are detectable.
We then cover scenarios where physical weaknesses undo strong network controls. A shared maintenance corridor with an unsecured drop ceiling may bridge into a protected room; a contractor’s master badge template may include zones beyond approved work areas; or camera blind spots might hide a switch stack supporting the cardholder data environment. Correct answers address design and operations: restrict areas to least privilege, review access lists regularly, require visitor badges tied to a host, and test camera retrieval to ensure incidents can be reconstructed within retention windows. Troubleshooting includes revoking badges instantly on role changes, auditing keys and combinations, and verifying that third-party technicians sign for devices and return them intact. The exam rewards options that turn physical protection into traceable records and tested procedures, not just hardware, so select answers that pair controls with proof they function day to day. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.
