Physical Structure Security In  the  Navy  we  often  decide  we  need  computer equipment and then wonder where we are going to install   it.   The   existing   building   (or   shipboard compartment) may not lend itself to the physical security requirements needed to protect the system. Things like false overheads (ceilings) can conceal water and steam pipes. The pipes should be checked on a   regular   basis   and   any   irregularities   reported immediately.  Personnel  should  be  familiar  with  the locations  and  operation  of  the  cut-off  valves  for  the pipes. Air-conditioning ducts in the overhead, if not properly insulated, can result in condensation, causing water to drip down on the computer. When repair work is scheduled within the computer spaces  (working  under  the  raised  floor  or  in  the overhead), be sure to take all necessary precautions to protect  the  equipment.  Use  plastic  sheeting  to  cover  the system (particularly the CPU). Watch out for overhead water or steam pipe bursts and for activated sprinkler systems. Ensure maximum personnel safety, while keeping disruption to a minimum. Dust coming from the work area can damage the equipment: clogged filters  result  in  overheated  components,  a  head  crash  on a disk drive, dirty read/write heads on tape drives, and so on. Remember, the key word is to  protect  all AIS assets. WARNING Should your equipment be exposed to water,  do  not  turn  it  on  until  it  has  been thoroughly   checked   out   by   qualified maintenance personnel. Power Supply Protection Your computer facility and remote terminal areas require adequate power. Variations in electrical power can affect the operation of computer equipment. Most computer equipment is designed in such away that it is able to rectify the incoming ac current, filter it, and regulate the resulting dc current before it is applied to the computer circuitry. However, this filtering and regulation cannot be expected to eliminate voltage variations   beyond   a   reasonable   range.   Power fluctuations   can   cause   unpredictable   results   on hardware, logic, and data transfer. Should your system encounter such fluctuations, it is highly recommended that the equipment be shut down at once until the problem is corrected. Some computer systems are equipped with an uninterrupted  power  source  (UPS).  A  UPS  provides  the auxiliary  power  for  your  equipment  that  may  be required   if   your   command’s   mission   dictates continuous AIS support to fulfill its obligations or if your computer system is in an area where there are frequent  brownouts.  Auxiliary  power  should  be checked on a periodic basis. Fire  Protection Fire protection is one of the major elements of any command’s  physical  security  program.  All  personnel (military and civilian) receive periodic training in emergency procedures in case of fire. The training usually includes, at a minimum, proper equipment shutdown and startup procedures, information about your fire detection and alarm systems, use of emergency power  (especially  aboard  ship),  use  of  fire-fighting equipment, and evacuation procedures. Master  control  switches  are  used  to  shut  off  all power to your AIS spaces in the event of fire. If your air-conditioning system is not setup for smoke removal, it  is  probably  connected  to  the  master  control  switches. The  master  control  switches  are  normally  located  at  the exit doors, so in an actual emergency you do not have to  pass  through  a  dangerous  area  to  activate  the switches.   These   switches   should   be   easily recognizable. They are clearly labeled and protected to prevent accidental shutdown. Commands that process critical applications will have master control switches that allow for a sequential shutdown procedure of your equipment. Learn the location of the switches and procedures used in your computer spaces. There will be enough portable fire extinguishers for you to fight a relatively small or self-contained fire. Extinguishers  are  placed  within  50  feet  of  the  computer equipment.  Prominently  displayed  markings  and/or signs are above each extinguisher, and each is easily accessible  for  use. WARNING Be sure to use only carbon dioxide or inert-gas fire extinguishers on electrical fires. One final note. Experience has shown repeatedly that prompt detection is a major factor in limiting the amount of fire damage. Computer areas require a fire detection system capable of early warning and with an automatic fire extinguishing system. 4-9