T 3.4 Unauthorised connection of cables

When unauthorised cable connections are made between IT systems or other technical components, there is a risk of security problems or disruptions to operation. For example, unauthorised access to networks, systems, information, or applications may be gained through such unauthorised cable connections. Information could additionally or exclusively be transmitted to the wrong recipients due to unauthorised cable connections. The normal connection may be disrupted.

Unauthorised cable connections may have various causes and manifestations, for example:

• technical defects
• incorrect cabling of patch panels, terminal blocks, or splice distributors
• incorrect cabling of active network components
• unauthorised connection of external IT systems to a network connection in the LAN

Inaccurate documentation and inadequate labelling of cables often result in unintentional connection errors and make the detection of deliberate connection errors more difficult.