Social/Cyber Security vs. Physical/Personal Security...

TSgt Joshua Lynch — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:41:30 -0400

The military is focusing a great amount of attention on the need for cyber security, and appropriately so; but where is the focus when it comes to the need for defense of one's self. We're hearing more and more of the threats aimed at unprotected military members nationally and internationally; these threats aren't solely through cyber means. Infact some are even aimed at protected public servants, i.e. police officers and security agents. We need to add to the means by which we defend our troops in the CONUS.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 17 at 2015 1:57 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:57:58 -0400

While I personally wish to serve in a cyber security role, I do not think that is our primary goal. The military should keep dealing with physical security (with some OPSEC) for support. It is something that we do best and fits within our mission. Cyber security can be done by anyone (trained) and anywhere while our missions are done specifically in a theater of war.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 17 at 2015 3:12 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 15:12:41 -0400

Not to get crazy with terminology, but to clarify, I believe what you are referring to is "Personal Security" more than "Physical Security."

Physical Security applies more to Places (Buildings & locations) & Things (Safes, Papers, etc). As a secondary benefit, they tend to also protect people inside those places from destruction or harm.

Personal security or Personal Protection is what you describe above.

That said, Security is layered. Without a good layer of Physical Security, they can be no Personal Security nor Cyber/Social security. Personal security requires both to varying degrees. When it really boils down to it, this is like asking which is better Heating or A/C. It depends on whether you are in Florida or New York, and what time of year it is.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 17 at 2015 3:15 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 15:15:37 -0400

I can adjust my privacy settings and create passwords that will help with my cyber security. I am comfortable with my settings as they currently are. The area that I am not happy with is the physical security. I feel that the military should allow personal concealed carry on base with appropriate permits. If I know I am coming to the base, I cannot carry, even if I have 32 other stops before/after the base that could put me at risk. We are provided enough ammo and firearms to start/continue a war when deployed, but can't be trusted at home station?? interesting.... I don't buy it.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Mar 17 at 2015 3:20 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 15:20:15 -0400

The two are mutually supporting. Without a comprehensive security plan that encompasses both, you leave yourself open to attack.
That said, there is a disproportionate move towards cyber over physical and the balance needs to be restored, or perhaps the word I'm looking for is "established".

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 17 at 2015 4:07 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:07:19 -0400

The right answer is both. You cant have Social/Cyber without some elements of Physical.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Mar 17 at 2015 4:53 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:53:55 -0400

What many fail to realize is that the actions taken in the cyber-security environment always have a physical result, sometimes related to Physical Security. Hack a bank, someone, somewhere will physically draw out cash. Hack a prison, doors may open when they are not supposed to. THey are intrinsically tied together.

Response by CAPT Stu Merrill made Mar 17 at 2015 7:00 PM

CAPT Stu Merrill — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 19:00:15 -0400

Prefer? Both cyber and physical security are of paramount importance.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 11 at 2015 3:28 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 03:28:44 -0400

This is not a one or the other proposition --- in today's world, the two are inter-connected.