Practical Cisco Unified Communications Security

Chapter 2

Physical Security and Life Safety

Introduction to Physical Security and Life Safety

Physical security is best defined as the protection of personnel and equipment from physical actions that could cause harm to individuals or extended loss of service or data. Organizations often consider the use of physical security controls a “no brainer,” in that they provide safety and security to individuals within the organization, and rightly so because an organization’s most valuable asset is its individuals.

Because many organizations have lost assets due to improper physical security, experience teaches us about its importance. Yet, despite our experience regarding the importance of physical security, it is difficult to place an estimated ...