How to integrate data privacy and cybersecurity strategies into physical security, by Antoinette King, CISSP, PSP, DPPS, SICC, Credo Cyber Consulting.

Physical and cyber convergence

In the age of digital transformation and convergence, the proliferation of physical security systems like video surveillance and access control systems has created vast stores of data brimming with information about the citizens they surveil.

These storage repositories are also known as data lakes.

Data lakes are invaluable for maintaining security and monitoring activities, but they also pose a significant risk if misused.

The data captured by these systems can include highly detailed visual and biometric data, patterns of life and personal routines.

When such sensitive information falls into the wrong hands, it can be exploited using generative AI technology to create deepfakes and digital twins, leading to a myriad of potential threats and liability exposure to the data managers.

The threats explained

Deepfakes, which are categorized as synthetic media in which a person’s likeness is replaced with someone else’s, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.

They can be used to create false narratives, impersonate individuals in fraudulent activities or manipulate public opinion.

Digital twins, on the other hand, are virtual replicas of physical entities or individuals that can be used for simulation and analysis.

In a malicious context, digital twins created from stolen data can enable bad actors to test and refine attack strategies on virtual models of secure environments or commit fraud.

The convergence of these technologies with the data from security systems creates a perfect storm for privacy invasion and security breaches.

Bad actors can harness the power of AI to analyze and understand patterns within the data, identify vulnerabilities and craft highly targeted attacks.

Additionally, the ability to generate convincing fake visuals or simulate environments can be used to bypass traditional security measures, tricking systems and individuals alike.

Deepfakes and digital twins, created from video surveillance footage and access control systems, pose significant threats in today’s digital landscape.

Examples of threats posed using these methods include:

• Undermining public trust in media and institutions: Widespread misinformation and social unrest can ensue by creating convincing fake videos that depict individuals saying or doing things they never did. This has already been seen in various instances where deepfakes have been used to manipulate public opinion or discredit individuals
• Identity theft and fraud: By creating a digital twin of an individual, malicious actors can bypass biometric security measures, access sensitive personal and financial information, and commit crimes under a false identity
• National security risks: Deepfakes can be employed to create false narratives or propaganda, potentially leading to international conflicts or influencing the outcomes of elections. Moreover, deepfakes can be used to impersonate government officials or military personnel, compromising official communications and strategic operations

Mitigation techniques

To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to implement robust data governance and cybersecurity measures.

Organizations must ensure that access to their data lakes is strictly controlled and monitored, with advanced encryption and anomaly detection systems in place.

Additionally, there’s a growing need for the development of AI-driven security solutions that can detect and counteract the use of deepfakes and digital twins in real-time.

A strong partnership between the physical security department and the cybersecurity and IT departments is essential in creating a cohesive security strategy.

Protecting large data lakes from exfiltration is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of an organization’s data assets.

One effective measure is implementing strong access controls, which ensure that only authorized personnel can interact with the data, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential exfiltration.

Regular security training for employees can also play a significant role in safeguarding data lakes.

By educating staff on the importance of data security and the common tactics used by cybercriminals, organizations can bolster their first line of defense against both external and internal threats.

Additionally, deploying advanced security tools and solutions, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and encryption, can provide a robust security framework that actively monitors and protects data against exfiltration attempts.

These measures, when combined with a comprehensive security strategy, can significantly mitigate the risks associated with data exfiltration.

Data privacy strategy and cybersecurity

There must be a concerted effort to raise awareness about the potential misuse of AI and the importance of data privacy.

This includes educating employees, stakeholders and the public about the signs of deep fake and digital twin attacks, as well as promoting a culture of security and vigilance.

Incorporating data privacy into a physical security strategy is a multifaceted approach that ensures comprehensive protection of an organization’s assets.

Physical security measures, such as access controls, surveillance and secure facilities, are the bedrock of protecting tangible assets and personnel.

However, as the digital transformation deepens its roots in the operational fabric of businesses, the convergence of physical security with data privacy becomes critical.

Data privacy, which encompasses the safeguarding of sensitive information from unauthorized access and breaches, extends the concept of security from the physical to the virtual realm.

A robust security strategy recognizes that breaches in physical security can lead to data exposure and vice versa. For instance, unauthorized access to a server room can compromise sensitive data, while a cybersecurity incident could potentially allow physical access to restricted areas.

As a result, a holistic security strategy must integrate physical security protocols with data privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, to ensure that both physical and digital domains are equally fortified.

Best practices in this integrated approach include the implementation of stringent access control measures that limit physical entry to authorized personnel while also controlling access to sensitive data through cybersecurity measures.

Surveillance systems can monitor physical spaces for unauthorized access attempts, while simultaneously protecting data integrity through network monitoring and intrusion detection systems.

Data protection strategies should encompass not only reactive measures, such as data backups and restore functions, but also proactive measures like employee training on data privacy and regular security audits.

The goal is to create a seamless shield that not only deters physical intrusions but also cyber-threats, thereby improving cybersecurity and safeguarding an organization’s data lifecycle from creation to deletion.

This comprehensive physical and cybersecurity posture not only protects against immediate threats but also builds resilience against future vulnerabilities, ensuring business continuity and the trust of stakeholders in the organization’s commitment to security.

The integration of data privacy into physical security strategy is not just a regulatory compliance requirement but a business imperative in today’s interconnected world.

It requires a forward-thinking approach that anticipates potential threats and mitigates risks through a combination of physical and digital security measures.

By doing so, organizations can protect their most valuable assets – people and data – against an ever-evolving threat landscape.

While the data collected by physical security systems is crucial for safety and operational efficiency, it also presents a significant vulnerability.

The intersection of this data with generative AI technologies opens new avenues for exploitation that must be addressed with urgency and sophistication.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of this digital era, proactive and innovative security strategies will be paramount in safeguarding our digital identities and infrastructures.

As an industry, we must improve the cybersecurity of the technology we are deploying and in the invest in the education and upskilling of our workforce to ensure that the implementation of physical security solutions meets the cybersecurity standards of the end users.

About the article

This column was created in collaboration with the Security Industry Association (SIA) Women in Security Forum IlluminateHER Subcommittee to help elevate Power 100 honoree voices in the security industry.

Antoinette King has more than two decades of experience in the security industry, working in integration, manufacturing and consulting.

Antoinette founded Credo Cyber Consulting in 2020 with the goal of providing her clients a holistic perspective on security, bridging the gap between the physical and cybersecurity domains focusing on data privacy and protection.

She is also currently the Director of Sales for the East and Head of Cyber Convergence at i-PRO Americas.

This article was originally published in the September edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.