# physical information security

> protection of information assets against physical threats

**Wikidata**: [Q7189611](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7189611)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_information_security)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/physical-information-security

## Summary
Physical information security is the protection of information assets against physical threats, such as unauthorized access, theft, or damage. It is a subset of information security and focuses on safeguarding data centers and physical infrastructure from physical risks.

## Key Facts
- Part of the broader category of information security, which encompasses all methods to protect information.
- A subclass of physical security, specifically targeting information assets.
- Includes practices like securing access to data centers to prevent physical threats.
- Facet of both physical security and information security.
- Has a Wikipedia page in English with limited sitelinks (count: 1).
- Associated with an image of secure areas in a data center, showing physical access controls.
- Linked to the Freebase ID /m/0h3m6 for reference in knowledge graphs.
- Subclass of both physical security and information security in classification systems.

## FAQs
### Q: What are the main physical threats to information security?
A: Physical threats include unauthorized access, theft, damage to hardware, and environmental hazards that could disrupt data storage or processing.

### Q: How does physical information security differ from cybersecurity?
A: Physical information security focuses on protecting information assets from physical threats, while cybersecurity addresses digital threats like hacking or malware.

### Q: What are common physical security measures for data centers?
A: Common measures include biometric access controls, surveillance systems, secure entry points, and environmental controls to prevent physical breaches.

## Why It Matters
Physical information security is crucial because information assets are vulnerable to physical threats that can lead to data loss, system downtime, or unauthorized access. Unlike cyber threats, physical attacks can be more disruptive and harder to detect. Protecting physical infrastructure ensures the integrity and availability of information, which is essential for businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure. Without physical security measures, data centers and sensitive information could be compromised, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, or operational disruptions. Physical security practices help mitigate these risks by implementing controls such as access restrictions, surveillance, and environmental safeguards.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized subset of information security focused on physical threats.
- Including data center security as a related practice to protect physical access.
- Having a distinct Wikipedia page with limited but relevant references.
- Being classified under both physical security and information security.
- Providing a visual representation of secure access controls in data centers.

## Body
### Definition and Scope
Physical information security is the protection of information assets from physical threats, including unauthorized access, theft, and environmental hazards. It is a subset of information security and overlaps with physical security, particularly in the context of data centers.

### Relationships and Classification
- **Parent Class**: Information security, which encompasses all methods to protect information.
- **Subclass**: Physical security, specifically targeting information assets.
- **Related Class**: Data center security, which focuses on securing physical access to data centers.

### Wikipedia and Knowledge Graphs
- **Wikipedia Title**: Physical information security (English).
- **Wikidata Description**: Protection of information assets against physical threats.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0h3m6 for reference in knowledge graphs.

### Visual Representation
- An image from Wikimedia Commons shows secure areas in a data center, highlighting gates controlling physical access.

### Significance
Physical information security is essential for maintaining the integrity and availability of information. Physical threats can lead to data loss, system downtime, or unauthorized access, making it a critical component of overall information security.