The Door We Forgot to Lock
We’ve built firewalls as strong as fortresses.
Encrypted everything that moves.
Multi-factored ourselves into oblivion.
And then someone leaves their laptop open at a coffee shop. Or walks away from a conference table with a session still active. Or prints sensitive data and tosses it in the trash can.
This is the paradox of modern security: we protect our digital data but overlook simple, everyday risks. Physical security is still important. We just don’t talk about it as much anymore.
What “Digital-Only” Security Misses
When we hear “security breach,” we usually think of hackers or malware. However, physical security mistakes can cause real harm, sometimes even faster than a cyberattack.
Here’s what slips through:
- Leaving devices unattended: logged in, open, and easy for someone to take.
- Shoulder surfing: someone quietly reading your screen over your shoulder on a plane or in a shared workspace.
- Lost or stolen hardware: phones, drives, or tablets that still have cached credentials.
- Shared spaces: whiteboards covered with client data or passwords written down temporarily.
The problem isn’t that we don’t know better; it’s just habit. We secure our digital accounts but often leave physical spaces unprotected.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
People react most to what they can see, like a phishing email or a warning message on their screen.
But physical threats often go unnoticed because they seem so normal.
Most people don’t worry when someone glances at their laptop screen in an airport lounge or when they leave their badge on the desk. This is called familiarity fatigue. When something becomes routine, we stop seeing it as a risk.
Attackers rely on this kind of oversight.
Where Security Actually Breaks
Physical security mistakes don’t look dramatic. They just look like everyday life.
- Leaving a laptop open during lunch.
- Traveling with client data on a USB.
- Propping open a badge-secured door “for convenience.”
These actions aren’t intentional; they’re simply small mistakes. Each one seems minor, but together they add up. Because these mistakes happen in everyday situations, they rarely make the news.
But in many breach reports, these are often the first step.
Practical Habits That Actually Stick
You don’t need to completely change your security setup. You just need to be more aware of your surroundings.
Here’s what helps:
- Lock your screens, not just the doors. Even if you step away for a few seconds, lock it.
- Be alert in public places. If you’re working remotely, try to sit with your back to a wall.
- Don’t leave devices unattended. Treat your laptop and phone like your passport; always keep them with you.
- A clean desk helps you stay focused. Don’t leave sensitive notes on sticky pads.
- Practice Badge discipline. It’s not paranoia; it’s protocol.
Security isn’t just about policies. It’s about your daily habits and routines.
The Quiet Kind of Accountability – Always Culture Over Blame
Physical security isn’t exciting, so people often overlook it. But teams that pay attention to it usually do better than those that don’t.
Instead of blaming people, make good security habits normal:
- Make “lock check” part of stand-ups.
- Reward awareness, not just detection.
- Model the habits yourself.
It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being aware, knowing your surroundings, what’s open, and who might be watching.
Final Thought
Digital security protects your entire network infrastructure, but physical security protects what’s happening right now. Password managers, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication don’t help if someone takes a device that’s still logged in. So pay attention to your surroundings. Sometimes, the real threat isn’t in your inbox, it’s right next to you.
This isn’t about creating fear. It’s about being more mindful of your daily habits and routines.
Matt Shannon, Security Pro 