Why Physical Security Testing Matters
Physical security breaches can have devastating consequences. An attacker who gains unauthorised physical access to your premises can install malicious hardware, access secure systems directly, photograph sensitive documents, or steal physical assets including data storage devices.
Our physical security assessments use ethical penetration testing techniques to simulate real-world adversarial attacks against your facilities. We attempt to breach your physical barriers and access secure areas through controlled, authorised testing that exposes weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them.
Following each assessment, you receive a comprehensive report detailing every vulnerability discovered, the methods used, and prioritised recommendations for improving your physical security posture. Our testing helps you understand not just where your weaknesses are, but how they can be exploited in realistic attack scenarios.
Common Physical Security Risks
Tailgating & Piggybacking
Staff members frequently allow unauthorised individuals to follow them through secure doors, either through politeness or lack of awareness. This defeats even sophisticated access control systems.
Inadequate Access Controls
Weak badge systems, shared credentials, default locks, and poorly managed access permissions allow unauthorised individuals to move freely through supposedly secure areas.
Information Leakage
Visible confidential documents, unshredded sensitive papers in bins, and unsecured disposal areas provide attackers with valuable intelligence without needing to breach digital systems.
Insufficient Monitoring
CCTV blind spots, inadequate alarm coverage, and lack of active monitoring mean breaches go undetected for extended periods, giving attackers time to accomplish their objectives.
Social Engineering
Staff who haven't been trained to verify identities or challenge suspicious behaviour can be manipulated into granting physical access to restricted areas.
Perimeter Vulnerabilities
Unsecured entry points, poorly maintained fencing, accessible rooftop access, and loading dock weaknesses provide multiple routes for unauthorised entry.
Our Assessment Techniques
Physical Entry Testing
- Tailgating and piggybacking attempts
- Badge cloning and RFID duplication
- Lock picking and bypass techniques
- Alternative entry point exploitation
Access Control Assessment
- Testing locks, doors, and barriers
- CCTV coverage and blind spot analysis
- Alarm system trigger testing
- Perimeter sensor evaluation
Information Security
- Dumpster diving for sensitive documents
- Visual reconnaissance of workspaces
- Unsecured asset identification
- Document handling protocol testing
Technical Attacks
- Rogue access point deployment
- WiFi pineapple and network attacks
- USB drop testing
- Physical device installation attempts
Staff Awareness Testing
- Social engineering scenarios
- Identity verification testing
- Challenge response evaluation
- Incident reporting protocol testing
Emergency Procedures
- Break-glass point testing
- Emergency protocol review
- Evacuation procedure assessment
- Security response time evaluation
What's Included in Your Assessment
Pre-Assessment Consultation - Scope definition, rules of engagement, and authorisation documentation
Reconnaissance Phase - External observation and intelligence gathering using only publicly available information
Physical Penetration Attempts - Controlled attempts to breach your physical security using ethical techniques
Access Control Testing - Evaluation of badges, locks, alarms, and monitoring systems
Staff Awareness Testing - Assessment of employee vigilance and response to suspicious activity
Technical Security Testing - Wireless network assessment and rogue device deployment tests
Comprehensive Report - Detailed findings with photographic evidence, access logs, and vulnerability analysis
Prioritised Recommendations - Actionable remediation advice ranked by severity and ease of implementation
Debrief Session - In-person presentation of findings with your security and management teams
Typical Findings & Recommendations
Common Vulnerabilities Discovered
- Unsecured entry points with inadequate monitoring or delayed security response
- Successful tailgating with staff failing to challenge or report suspicious individuals
- Visible confidential documents on desks, whiteboards, or in unsecured waste bins
- WiFi networks using default or weak credentials accessible from public areas
- Lack of asset tagging allowing removal of equipment without detection
- CCTV blind spots in critical areas including server rooms and document storage
- Badge systems with inadequate deactivation processes for terminated staff
- Accessible network ports in public areas allowing unauthorised system access
Strategic Recommendations
- Deploy anti-tailgating turnstiles and mantrap entry systems at critical access points
- Implement comprehensive staff awareness campaign on badge policies and visitor challenges
- Enhance CCTV coverage and establish active monitoring protocols with incident response procedures
- Introduce secure disposal policies including cross-cut shredders and locked document bins
- Strengthen WiFi security with WPA3 encryption, hidden SSIDs, and regular password rotation
- Establish asset management system with regular audits and removal authorisation processes
- Implement network access control (NAC) to prevent unauthorised devices from connecting
- Conduct regular physical security drills and maintain updated access control lists
Test Your Physical Defences
Discover your facility's vulnerabilities before attackers do. Our ethical physical penetration testing provides the insights you need to strengthen your physical security posture and protect your organisation's most valuable assets.