Chapter 4 – Information Technology

49020.7.6 Cabling Security

• Power and telecommunications cabling carrying data or supporting information services shall adhere to established department standards and procedures. Cabling should be secured and protected from interception or damage. The following cabling security guidelines shall be considered:

  • Power and telecommunication lines into facilities shall be underground, where possible, or subject to adequate alternative protection.

  • Network cabling shall be protected from unauthorized interception or damage, for example by using conduit or by avoiding routes through public areas.

  • Power cables should be segregated from communications cables to prevent interference.

  • Clearly identifiable cable and equipment markings shall be used to minimize handling errors, such as accidental patching of wrong network cables.

  • For sensitive or critical systems, further controls to consider include:

    • Installation of armored conduit and locked rooms or boxes at inspection and termination points;

    • Use of alternative routings and/or transmission media providing appropriate security;

    • Use of fiber optic cabling;

    • Use of electromagnetic shielding to protect the cables;

    • Initiation of technical sweeps and physical inspections for unauthorized devices being attached to cables;

    • Controlled access to patch panels and cable rooms.

• All network connectivity in proximity to incarcerated population shall abide by current approved network authentication technology, as defined by the ISOInformation Security Officer.