When we stumble upon the term data center security, it is often considered as protecting hardware and software from malicious attacks by implementing smart, advanced technology. However, cyber security is a part of the entire security concept. Physical data center security means restricting physical access into the data center and limiting access only to the authorized users.
Enforcing security features is not enough. Ensuring reliable physical security is what matters the most. Is your security equipment working right? Is it doing the things what it is meant for? Are your security protocols strong enough?
There are several criteria that you need to look into and no wonder what we`ll be discussing here is be expensive, time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Constructed for ensuring physical protection: While designing the data center, the professionals must ensure to construct the exterior (walls, windows, and doors) of materials that provide ballistic protection. In addition, it must also provide protection on physical grounds, which means that it should have all the physical equipment in place such as barriers to keep invaders from sneaking inside.
24x7 backup power: For uninterrupted business operations, data centers must back its servers with high-performance generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. So in case of power outage, your servers will keep running optimally.
Cages, cabinets and vaults: These physical structures are designed to keep servers secured and safe within and thus, IT operators must ensure that the structures are well-built and properly installed without any loose or moving components. That means that the cages, cabinets and vaults should be strong and rigid, ensuring the safety of the equipments residing inside.
Electronic access-control systems (ACSs): Electronic ACS allow only authorized users to access the data center, ensuring safety around the facility.
Provisioning process: Apart from electronic identification, another practice to provide entry to the facility involves a process that requires providing structured and documented provisioning by the individual requesting to get inside the data center. The documents will then help to identify the individual`s integrity.
Fire detection and fire suppression systems: Now, we`re moving towards securing the data center from catastrophe. The structures must be hard-wired with alarms backed with fire suppression systems, assuring fire safety.
Educate the entire team: Your staff must be educated about security. They must see data center security as a tool intended at improving productivity and not a hitch. We are mentioning this because the biggest security threat comes from inside, not that it is done deliberately, but it happens as a result of negligence. The better the training on security, the safer will be your environment
This piece has highlighted the best practices data center operators can follow to foolproof their facility. Every data center, big or small are vulnerable to security issues, but with the every security measure in place, you can maintain a safe atmosphere around.
