A Different Perspective: Physical Security

Physical security measures form the basis for protecting employees, sensitive information, and critical infrastructure. Access controls, security policies, and awareness trainings are designed to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to sensitive areas. In practice, however, real-life incidents repeatedly show that physical attack vectors are often underestimated—and thus represent an attractive target for attackers.

Many organizations invest heavily in technical IT security measures, while physical protection mechanisms are less frequently reviewed systematically. Attackers exploit precisely this gap: human factors, unclear processes, or inadequately implemented access controls are often easier to circumvent than purely technical protective measures. At the same time, physical security gaps can serve as a gateway for further IT attacks and have a significant impact on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of company assets.

In order to realistically assess this risk, we recommend having physical security measures regularly reviewed as part of structured penetration tests. In such a test, NSIDE checks how resilient an organization is to realistic physical attack scenarios. We specifically simulate the actions of an attacker attempting to gain unauthorized access to buildings, security zones, or protected areas. If successful, this often opens up direct access to internal networks, confidential information, or critical systems.

Physical pentests with NSIDE usually include:

• Bypassing access restrictions through organizational or technical weaknesses
• On-site social engineering scenarios (e.g., tailgating or pretexts, including forging employee ID cards, etc.)
• Verification of access controls, e.g.:
  • Bypassing card readers via RFID cloning
  • Lock picking
  • Opening doors with under-the-door tools
  • Bypassing turnstiles
• Verification of workplace security (e.g., unlocked systems, confidential documents)
• Access to sensitive areas such as server rooms, research and production facilities, or offices
• Evaluation of security processes and employee response
• Identification of risks due to missing or insufficient awareness measures

For physical penetration tests, we rely on a combination of careful planning, realistic attack simulations, and detailed follow-up. The tests are tailored to your individual requirements and carried out in close consultation with you. We take ongoing operations into account and proceed with the necessary care to avoid disruptions or impairments. Depending on the objective, we carry out open or covert tests and jointly define the scope and permitted methods.

As a result of our physical penetration tests, you will receive a comprehensive report that presents the identified vulnerabilities in a structured manner and contains concrete, prioritized recommendations for improving your security measures. This is supplemented by documentation of the test activities and a compact management summary.

We recommend having physical security measures checked regularly or on an ad hoc basis (e.g., after relocations, renovations, or organizational changes) in order to systematically reduce risks and strengthen the overall security of your company in the long term.
We advise you on the scope, procedure, and objectives of a physical penetration test and work with you to develop a suitable test concept. Please feel free to contact us for a non-binding initial consultation.