Top 5 Physical Security Attacks

Introduction

The world of cybersecurity is not limited to what’s inside your device – whether it’s your phone or computer. It’s part of a much broader system, where physical security plays a critical role in protecting both your devices and the data stored on them. We’ve outlined the top 5 physical cyber attacks and how you can protect yourself against them.

Device Theft

Device theft is a common and potentially high-impact risk. Often, such thefts happen opportunistically and can involve either work or personal devices (e.g., a phone) that contain access to confidential information. In many cases, data theft from a stolen device may not be the main intention – but targeted attacks cannot be ruled out.

In a targeted attack, it’s important to remember that, in addition to all the data on the device, there may also be logged-in accounts, VPN access, and more. With such direct access, attackers may be able to quickly escalate their access into internal systems and establish persistence.

To reduce the risks related to device theft, follow these best practices:

• Properly protect data on the device. Every device should have encrypted storage. Without encryption, an attacker can easily bypass or reset passwords. The safest state for a device is when it is turned off, as this locks the encrypted drive. If you suspect risk or are transporting the device without using it, power it down.
• Minimize the risk of targeted theft. Be mindful of how and where you use your device. If working in public, someone observing your work may learn your employer or the value of your device. Avoid stickers or logos on the device or its bag that may reveal your workplace.

Shoulder Surfing and Eavesdropping

Shoulder surfing and eavesdropping are two common yet underestimated physical attack methods. Both aim to steal sensitive information without the user noticing.

Shoulder surfing occurs when an attacker watches over the victim’s shoulder to see what’s on their screen or keyboard. This can lead to the theft of passwords, PINs, or other sensitive information from emails or documents – all without the victim realizing.

Eavesdropping involves an attacker listening in on conversations – either over the phone or in person. This can result in the leakage of access codes, trade secrets, or sensitive personal data.

To protect against these attacks, avoid reading or discussing sensitive information in public places. Also, use a privacy screen on your device to better protect against shoulder surfing.

Unauthorized Access and Social Engineering

In the context of cyber hygiene, unauthorized access refers to situations where a malicious individual gains entry to a restricted area – such as a company office or server room – without proper authorization. This is often accomplished through social engineering, where attackers exploit people’s trust and helpfulness.

A common tactic is to pose as a technician or a new employee and ask a real employee to open a secured door. Attackers may carry boxes or appear burdened, encouraging someone to politely let them in without checking credentials.

This is not just a building security risk – it’s also a cybersecurity risk. The attacker might gain access to a work computer, internal network, server room, and more. These types of attacks are often hard to detect, which makes employee awareness critical. If you see an unfamiliar person in the office, don’t hesitate to ask for identification or notify security or reception.

Malicious Distribution of Public WiFi in Physical Spaces

Malicious WiFi distribution involves an attacker setting up a convincing (often public) WiFi network in public spaces like cafés, libraries, or airports. The network name may closely resemble a legitimate one, such as “FreeCafeWiFi” or “Airport_WiFi_Free.” When users connect, the attacker can monitor all unencrypted traffic, including visited websites, application activity, and sometimes even passwords and emails.

Another common tactic is to set up a fake login page when connecting to public WiFi, prompting the user to log in with services like Google or Facebook. Never enter sensitive data into unfamiliar login portals.

These attacks are easy to carry out and difficult to detect because the fake WiFi name can look nearly identical to the real one. Attackers may also install man-in-the-middle (MitM) software to modify or reroute the victim’s internet traffic, for example, displaying a fake website in place of a real one.

To protect yourself, avoid entering sensitive information over public WiFi. Always use a VPN to encrypt traffic. Confirm the network name from a reliable source and prefer using mobile data where possible.

Insider Threats

Insider threats refer to situations where an organization’s employee, contractor, or partner abuses their access – whether intentionally or accidentally – resulting in a security incident. This can include data leaks, sabotage, installing malware, or sharing sensitive information with third parties.

Insider threats are not always malicious. For example, a well-meaning employee might send a confidential document to the wrong person or use a weak password, making the attacker’s job easier. However, some insiders act deliberately, such as selling data to competitors or attempting to cause damage after resigning.

Protecting against insider threats requires balancing trust with control. Key measures include least privilege access, regular cyber hygiene training, and monitoring logs and activity. There should also be clear procedures for offboarding employees and updating roles, ensuring access is removed immediately. Conducting background checks before hiring employees is also a smart move. In this context, awareness and prevention are key.