Chapter 4 – Information Technology

49020.8.5 Cabling Security

• Power and telecommunications cabling carrying data or supporting information services shall be protected from interception or damage. The following guidelines should 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.