Learning from data centre breaches

A holistic approach to data centre security

When you run and manage a data centre, you can never get too comfortable when it comes to security. Aside from the day-to-day pressures – increasing operational efficiency, preventing outages, serving clients – the threat of theft and terrorism is a constant pressure. In fact, there is research by the Ponemon Institute that estimates the average cost of a data breach to be around $3.86 million. Therefore, the physical and cyber security of data centres is not a subject to take lightly. It’s important to consider both aspects to make sure your data centre is strong enough to withstand the worst threats. After all, nobody wants the severe consequences of a single data breach.

The Snowden incident: data centre breaches

There are many examples of data centre breaches where we can take a step back and analyse what happened in order to learn and move forward. One example involved Edward Snowden, who leaked classified NSA documents to journalists. This is a well-known example of a data breach and highlights the importance of putting in place rigorous employee vetting procedures and staying alert to employee behaviour/encouraging other employees to report suspicious behaviour.

What’s involved in good data centre security?

A crucial aspect of good security is having strong security caging and server safes, as rack and server cabinet security is the last line of defence, so must stand up to the test! If criminals have managed to bypass other security measures, they mean business. Plus, if they are an employee, or a former employee, it will be a lot easier to get through initial security measures. If you’d like robust security caging solutions or server safes, please do get in touch with us, as we have over 20 years of global experience supplying bespoke security solutions that fit client requirements: +44 (0)20 8108 9328, sales@cross-guard.com.

Prior to the security caging guarding your servers, you also need to consider the security of your building, perimeter security, and employee vetting. Insider break-ins are very common, especially since sometimes employees are offered a substantial amount of money for selling on personal data from servers.

On the flip side, you also need to invest in good cyber security. If someone can’t physically access your data, then they could potentially virtually obtain it by getting past your firewalls. Your cyber security needs to be up to the task and you need to ensure you don’t use outdated or vulnerable systems.

Data centre physical security solutions

Although we can’t offer further advice or assistance on cyber security, Cross-Guard has over 20 years’ experience in aiding clients with their physical data centre security needs. We offer high-level security caging with certified options available. Our security caging is modular in nature, so works well if you want a future-proof solution. In addition, we offer the strongest self-ventilating server safe on the market. Get in touch today to see how we can help you secure your data centre.