FORMAL ANSWER

Physical safeguards are intended to protect premises, equipment, infrastructure and personnel against the direct action of physical factors and events such as fire, flood, theft, vandalism and terrorism. Passive safeguards aim to prevent threats or delay break-ins, e.g. fences or safes; active safeguards detect threats or counteract them, e.g. CCTV, intruder alarms and fire suppression systems.

PRACTICAL ANSWER

Physical safeguards are all material measures that in any way hinder unauthorised access to data. Antivirus software, a system firewall (IT safeguards) or a key or password policy (organisational safeguards) are not physical safeguards.

MORE:

• You can find more information in the guide: How to process personal data