Protecting Data Centers from Physical Threats

Chances are the cybersecurity surrounding your data center can rival Fort Knox. You have layers of security protocols that even skilled hackers are struggling to breach. Congratulations, you’ve taken care of one aspect of your data center’s security, but have you considered physical threats? 

The growing importance of physical security in data centers shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re not sure what threats are out there or how to address them, here’s what every business owner and data center manager should know.

Addressing Common Physical Threats to Data Centers

Your data center keeps your business running and the last thing you want is for a missed physical threat to bring your operations to a halt.

Your Access Control Systems are Outdated

You’ve handed out access cards to your data center, and this should be enough to restrict access in many cases. However, whether it’s access cards, entry codes, or an old-fashioned key lock, it’s not enough to stop most modern cyber thieves. Unfortunately, key locks can be relatively easy to pick. Access cards and codes can be duplicated.

The data center’s access system should be as aggressive as your cyber security measures, and this means staying on top of the latest access control technology like biometrics and even incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the process. You should also consider installing a video surveillance system. If unauthorized personnel get into your data center, you can review the footage to retrace their steps.

What about your process for vetting third-party contractors? If a component like a server goes down, it’s not uncommon for businesses to call a third-party vendor for repair services. Your vetting process should be more extensive than checking references and running a background check. 

Keeping all sensitive data encrypted is effective in preventing any breaches that may occur if your repair technician decides to snoop through your files. Some industries also require data encryption as part of their compliance regulations.

Fire Hazards

Unauthorized personnel in your data center isn’t the only physical threat. Your data center is comprised of several components all running on electricity. Even if your data center is taking advantage of solar power, fire hazards are still present. Some examples of potential fire hazards in a physical data center include:

• Short circuits and electricity overloads
• Wiring and equipment overheating

Some data centers also store flammable liquids, gases, and equipment. Obviously, these are fire hazards that should be constantly monitored.

Preventing a possible fire in your data center typically takes a multi-pronged approach. Along with keeping security staff on the premises 24/7, you should also install early warning systems. These systems can detect a potential fire before the smoke sets off a traditional detector. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also have smoke detectors throughout your data center.

Chances are not only is it the law, most states require all businesses, including their data centers, to have functioning smoke detectors, but it also gives you another layer of protection.

If you’re using a cloud-based data center, fire hazards probably aren’t a concern. However, it’s a good idea to check with your cloud service provider about the fire prevention steps that type at their facility. Remember, the service provider is responsible for maintaining the servers that are storing your data. If a fire breaks out, it can have lasting implications on your cloud-based data.

Social Engineering Attacks

Your employees may be at risk of becoming the victim of a social engineering attack; this type of attack can be physical, digital, or via a phone call. Someone can call an employee pretending to be in upper management and fish for information like log-in details. Other examples of social engineering attacks are:

• Impersonating a service technician to gain access to the network. Don’t be surprised if the individual even displays an authentic-looking ID badge.
• A potential hacker leaves a device behind, hoping it gets plugged into the network by an unsuspecting employee. Once the device is connected, the hacker is free to roam through your system.
• A hacker may even ask to borrow an employee’s device while they’re at lunch. If the employee’s device is connected to your data center, the hacker now has an easy way in.

Another slightly scary tactic is known as tailgating, which happens when a non-authorized person closely follows an employee into a secure area like your data center. 

Training your staff on the various tactics hackers can use to try and gain access to your data center can help minimize this potential threat. Your business should also have a concise policy on how to vet visitors before allowing entry.

Threats From Inside Your Company

This is something no business owner wants to consider. No one wants to think an employee can turn into a potential security threat. Unfortunately, employee theft isn’t rare, even when it comes to data. Stolen information can be extremely valuable to the right person.

Whether it’s an employee with a grudge against your organization or someone looking for an easy payday, you can take steps to protect your data center from internal threats.

Only provide access to sensitive, protected data when necessary, and this often means using time-sensitive access codes. These are codes that expire on a specific date and time. If your organization isn’t already implementing strong data security protocols, now’s the time to get started. 

Something else to consider is the availability of handheld storage devices like USB cards and sticks. You may want to consider restricting the devices’ use to areas outside of your data center, and this makes it harder for employees to copy data.

You can also take advantage of password management tools. These tools only allow limited access to your stored data. In other words, employees can only access the data they need for a specific task.

Protecting Your Data Center From All Threats

Your data center may be more vulnerable than you realize, especially when it comes to physical threats. Whether it’s a fire, theft, or unauthorized access, the results can be disastrous for your operations. 

However, by taking a few proactive steps, such as implementing stronger access controls, fire prevention measures, and surveillance systems, you can significantly reduce these risks. Protecting your data center from both physical threats and outside hackers is crucial to ensuring the safety and integrity of your information.