physical security for the server is really non-essential? true or false?

Answer 1

False.
As a thief:
1. I could physically steal the server.
2. I could steal the hard drives (hot swappable scsi's are SO easy...) and all their data.

As a disgruntled employee:
1. I could do all the things a thief could do.
2. I could destroy the server, or much of it.
3. I could reboot to floppy/cd/whatever and hoze the drives.
4. I could set the calendar ahead one year, or one decade... putting everyone out of synch and invalidating all my software licenses.

As an idiot:
1. I could spill my mop water all over the server.
2. I could unplug it to plug in my hair dryer.
3. I could see what would happen "if I push this little green button".

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

presuming you mean a computer server (database, web or other software) then it is essential only if it matters to you what will happen if someone else will install something on it, take it out of service or get the information from it. If there is physical access to a server, anything can be done to it. If you don't care, then physical security in non-essential. If you invested the money, time and effort to set up a server, I would assume that it does matter to you.

Answer 4

Well what is a server anyway? Just another computer, but a very expensive one.

Even if you are running a home network. Your server sould be locked down to at least prevent or deter theft.

Unless you're ok with 10 grand walking away from you.

(though most "servers' arent that expensive, that data contained on them may very well be. buying a new machine, restoring the os, restoring the files, consumes both time and money).