Why is physical security so vital if the data is digital?
Physical security is vital, because even in a Digital World, Access is everything. There are tools to image clone or crack almost every bit of software on the market, but most cannot be implemented without some sort of physical access to the drive. Locked drives, private rooms, and traditional security devices can do wonders at deterring a would be data thief.
And Security aside, even if you have information that is publicly accessible and in no way confidential, the digital data has to rest somewhere in the physical world, so securing your devices is paramount. For instance, you wouldn’t want your 20 disk platter drive raid array on a see-saw next to a pool. Sure, that’s hyperbole, but the principle still applies. Just as you don’t want to leave your administrator password on a post it note next to your desk, you don’t want to leave important data backups on a small flash drive that could be inadvertently swept up by the cleaning lady dude. All the digital security in cyberspace won’t protect you if your physical device is vulnerable.