For a long time, organizations have treated physical security and cybersecurity as two separate organization priorities. One team handles gates, cameras, and guards; while another focuses on systems, networks, and passwords. However, this approach is not working anymore.
In today’s environment, especially for those involved in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Program, these two areas are closely connected. When they’re managed separately, it can actually create gaps instead of reducing risk.
CTPAT has evolved over the years. It’s not just about fences, gates, and procedures anymore. There’s now a much larger focus on cybersecurity as part of overall supply chain security.
What that really means is organizations should start looking at their facilities a little differently. It’s not just:
• Who can get through the gate?
• Or who has a badge?
It’s also:
• Who has access to your systems?
• Who can log in remotely, and how?
• How are your cameras, access controls, and other systems being managed behind the scenes?
There’s definitely more expectation now around the cyber side of facility security, and organizations are being urged to take that more seriously.
From what we see, a couple of risk areas come up again and again. Vendors are a big one, and many organizations don’t realize how much access their vendors actually have, especially when it comes to remote connections or system permissions. If that’s not controlled, it can lead to both cyber and physical issues.
To reduce this risk, organizations should build a clear inventory of vendors and their access, apply appropriate controls like multi factor authentication, and define permissions carefully. Ongoing reviews and clear expectations through contracts or compliance requirements can make a significant difference.
The other area is employee access, not just photo ID badges, but system access as well. If onboarding and offboarding aren’t handled properly, or if credentials are being shared, it can create vulnerabilities. Strengthening identity and access management is key.
Access should be role based, reviewed periodically, and updated as roles change or employees leave. Eliminating shared credentials, enforcing strong authentication, and aligning physical and system access helps close these gaps.
Another challenge we often see is organizations relying too much on technology. While cyber tools and automated systems play an important role, they’re most effective when they support processes, not replace them. Strong day to day practices, clear accountability, and consistent oversight are still essential.
What tends to work best is a more coordinated approach, where security is built into everyday operations. This includes actively managing systems, monitoring activity, and ensuring responsibilities are clearly defined. It also means making sure policies are being followed, not just documented.
When organizations take this approach, security becomes more practical and sustainable. It’s not just about meeting requirements; it’s about creating an environment where risks are easier to identify and teams are better prepared to respond. This ultimately strengthens overall security and supports long term compliance.
If you’re working through how to better connect your cyber and physical security with CTPAT, you’re not alone. It’s something we help organizations navigate every day here at Veroot. Feel free to reach out, we’re here to help.