← Back to Attack / Defense Lab
OSI LAYER 1 // Physical Layer

Physical Port Access

Physical port access occurs when an unauthorized person connects equipment to an exposed Ethernet, console, USB, or other interface.

01 // HOW IT WORKS

Mechanism

A physical port can provide network access, management access, or a path to introduce devices if controls are weak.

02 // DETECTION

Indicators to watch

New switch MAC addresses, link-up events at unused ports, console access logs, USB device events, and unexpected endpoint changes.

03 // ATTACK FLOW

Concept diagram

01Unused network / console port↓
02Unauthorized connection↓
03New device appears↓
04Network / management access↓
05Port security + NAC
04 // PREVENTION

Defensive controls

Disable unused ports, lock equipment rooms, use port security/NAC, protect console ports, and monitor device connections.

05 // SECURITY TOOL

Recommended security control

NAC + switch port security

Demonstrate with a spare switch or lab endpoint.

06 // DEFENCE PRACTICE LAB

Defence practice lab

The administrator has not attached a tool link yet. This slot will show “Build Soon” until an external link is configured.

Build Soon
◈
DEFENCE PRACTICE LAB // BUILD SOONThe administrator can add or edit an external defence practice lab link from the private admin portal.
07 // DEFENCE TECHNIQUES

Defence techniques

Defence techniques for this attack will be added by the administrator.

AUTHORIZED LEARNING

All attack descriptions are for defensive education. Test scanning, traffic generation, interception, wireless testing, and vulnerable applications only on systems and networks you own or are explicitly authorized to assess.