Physical Security v. Cyber Security
Physical security to control access to your hardware is just as important as firewalls and cyber security measures, especially when it comes to keeping your network up and running. Protection such as ePanelocks can restrict access by unauthorized persons whether by accident or intentionally. This is true for both managed and unmanaged networks.
Managed networks use certain access controls that can lock-up ports or devices when someone either removes a cable or plugs-in to them. This shuts down that portion of the network and usually requires a trouble ticket for an admin to resolve, possibly on-site. While this going on, your network is down.
Unmanaged networks have literally no control over someone plugging into a port or removing cables that can leave your network not only vulnerable to unauthorized access or disconnections, but potentially blind to the event.
Not all physical protections are the same. Choosing one that cannot be broken into without extreme measures is your best bet. Simple key-tabbed cabinets and covers are easily opened and might not indicate they were accessed. ePanelocks are patented to provide cable management, airflow and full protection from being popped open, removal of rack screws and virtually any other type of physical access to the equipment.