What are Some Crucial Data Center Security Standards?

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There are many security standards that data centers must comply with. These compliance rules can differ depending on the type of threat a company faces and what they’re trying to achieve. Compliance with security standards not only makes data centers better equipped to deal with specific problems, but they also make data centers more ideal for companies to partner up with.

What is Data Center Security?

Data center security typically concerns two major categories: physical security and software security.

Physical Security ​

Data centers should have robust, multi-layer physical barriers around their perimeter and monitoring devices inside the center for any unusual activity or attempted penetrations into various zones within the facility.

They also need to detect whether there is an outside power failure that would cause equipment damage from lack of cooling if uninterrupted, even when maintenance crews are not present at all times during operation hours.

There should also be redundant emergency backup generators available in case one fails unexpectedly during extended power outages.

Software Security

Data centers should have strong security policies that enforce the use of passwords, encryption, and authentication methods to secure a company’s data and make sure it cannot be accessed by unauthorized personnel or systems.

They also need to protect against malware and viruses, which could come from external sources like internet hackers. These security breaches could also come from internal sources such as careless employees or those using an insecure operating system for personal reasons on one of their devices within a network containing sensitive corporate information.

These two standards are just some examples of what is expected of data center facilities regarding physical and software security measures.

What are Some Crucial Data Center Security Standards?

Secure Access Points

To keep unauthorized personnel from accessing the data inside a data center, there are many points of entry that require some level of authentication before they can be accessed. For example:

• Entry Point Access – Data centers should have an entry point access system like a door with biometric readers for scanning fingerprints and retina scans to access the data center. The entry point access system should have locks or a tamper-proof locking device and cannot be opened by unauthorized personnel with only a screwdriver, for example.
• Radio Protection – Data centers can also benefit from radio protection which may take different forms depending on the needs of each organization. For example, the company may require a system that can detect high-powered radios being used near their facility.
• Secure Networking – Data centers should have strong encryption policies in place for both wired and wireless networks. This way, unauthorized personnel cannot take advantage of any unencrypted data being transmitted across a network.

Fire Protection

Data centers also need fire protection measures in place so fire will not threaten them. For example, data center heating systems should operate with flame-retardant components and be outfitted with multiple levels of backup power in case there is an unexpected outage during the day or night. Fire protection is critical since electrical equipment running non-stop can generate significant amounts of heat.

Companies must cover all their bases for data center security and comply with these standards if they want their information to be safe.

Video Surveillance

Data centers should have video surveillance equipped at all points of entry and interior locations. This way, any suspicious activity can be detected immediately and the perpetrator apprehended before they do irreparable damage to a company’s data.

Aside from video surveillance, data centers can also benefit from security personnel to keep unauthorized people out.

Internal Software Security

Companies also need to make sure that their software security policies apply internally and externally, so employees follow the same security measures. For example, they should require employees to use strong passwords and change them regularly to avoid any data breaches from stolen or cracked credentials.

Software security also includes degrees of protection against malware and viruses, which may come from internal sources such as accidental or careless employees and external ones like internet hackers.

Redundant Measures

Many data centers have backup generators in case of power outages or other emergencies. But it is also essential to ensure that the electrical supply itself is protected against blackouts and brownouts with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) system installed at each point where electricity enters the facility. Measures against electrical problems also include surge protectors and circuit breakers.

Redundant measures can also be placed for other aspects of the data center, such as communication lines.

Conclusion

There are many different security standards that data centers must meet to ensure the safety of their company’s information and operations. There may also be other types depending on the needs faced by each company, so companies should consult with a professional colocation host about what they need before proceeding further.