Which statement best distinguishes physical security from cybersecurity in an industrial setting?

• A. Physical security protects digital assets and information through software, policies, and network defenses.
• B. Physical security safeguards tangible assets and people through barriers and controls; cybersecurity protects digital assets and information through policies, software, and network defenses.
• C. Physical security focuses on training programs, not barriers.
• D. Cybersecurity protects tangible assets and people through physical barriers.

Answer: (B)

Physical security protects tangible assets and people through barriers and access controls, while cybersecurity protects digital assets and information through policies, software, and network defenses. This distinction captures the two domains clearly: you secure people, equipment, and facilities with things like fences, doors, badges, guards, and surveillance; you secure data and systems with firewalls, encryption, authentication, and incident response. In an industrial setting, both are essential and complementary—physical barriers prevent unauthorized physical access, while cybersecurity measures protect against digital threats targeting information and control systems. The other statements mix up the roles: describing physical security as protecting digital assets through software and network defenses incorrectly assigns digital protections to the physical side; suggesting physical security focuses only on training omits the important barriers and controls; and claiming cybersecurity protects tangible assets and people through physical barriers reverses the actual focus of the discipline.