LATEST NEWS

DataBank Announces ~$2 Billion Equity Raise. Read the press release.

Get a Quote

Request a Quote

Tell us about your infrastructure requirements and how to reach you, and one of team members will be in touch shortly.

Schedule a Tour

Tour Our Facilities

Let us know which data center you'd like to visit and how to reach you, and one of team members will be in touch shortly.

Get a Quote

Request a Quote

Tell us about your infrastructure requirements and how to reach you, and one of team members will be in touch shortly.

Schedule a Tour

Tour Our Facilities

Let us know which data center you'd like to visit and how to reach you, and one of team members will be in touch shortly.

Get a Quote

Request a Quote

Tell us about your infrastructure requirements and how to reach you, and one of team members will be in touch shortly.

Schedule a Tour

Tour Our Facilities

Let us know which data center you'd like to visit and how to reach you, and one of team members will be in touch shortly.

Data Center Security: Best Practices, Compliance, And Cybersecurity
Data Center Security: Best Practices, Compliance, And Cybersecurity

Data Center Security: Best Practices, Compliance, And Cybersecurity

  • Updated on October 28, 2024
  • /
  • 9 min read

Security has long been a top priority for all businesses and is vital to the smooth and safe running of data centers. With that in mind, here is a straightforward guide to what you need to know about data center security.

What is data center security?

Modern data center security is a combination of physical and digital measures that, individually and separately, protect a data center facility and its assets. These assets typically include people, data and equipment.

Physical security in data centers

Ensuring robust physical security in data centers is not only essential in its own right but also a prerequisite for effective cybersecurity. Here are five key measures data centers managers have to implement to ensure physical security in data centers.

Access control

Access control systems are the first line of defense in a data center, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter the facility. Access logs are maintained for auditing, tracking all entry and exit attempts.

Modern access-control systems can typically support multiple authentication methods. These generally include keycards, PIN codes, and biometric authentication (fingerprints, retina scans, or facial recognition).

Moreover, they can support these different methods in combination (multifactor authentication). The number and nature of the authentication methods used to gain access to an area usually depends on the area’s level of security.

Advanced access control systems also include anti-passback mechanisms, preventing users from sharing credentials to bypass security protocols.

Surveillance systems

Surveillance is vital for monitoring and recording activities both inside and outside the facility. High-definition cameras, often equipped with night vision and motion detection, cover key areas such as entrances, server rooms, and utility spaces. Many data centers integrate these cameras with access control systems to capture video footage when specific doors are opened or unauthorized access is attempted. Surveillance footage is typically stored on-site or in secure cloud storage for later review and is monitored in real-time by security teams to identify suspicious activity immediately.

On-site security personnel

Security guards play a critical role in complementing automated systems. They patrol the premises, verify the identity of visitors and contractors, and provide immediate response to physical security threats. Some data centers also station guards at vehicle access points to inspect deliveries and monitor loading docks. Guards are often trained in incident response, equipped with protocols to follow in the event of fire, intrusion, or system failures, ensuring quick action in critical situations.

Perimeter security

Data centers typically use multiple layers of perimeter security, including high fences, reinforced gates, and anti-ram barriers. These physical barriers are complemented by electronic intrusion detection systems such as ground-based radar, infrared motion detectors, and laser tripwires. Security personnel are alerted in real-time if any perimeter breaches are detected. In some cases, guard patrols are supplemented by drones for monitoring hard-to-reach areas around the facility.

Redundant power and cooling systems security

Redundant systems are critical for maintaining uptime, and these systems require dedicated security. In addition to locked enclosures, these systems may include vibration sensors, temperature controls, and alarms to detect any tampering or abnormal conditions. Environmental monitoring ensures power and cooling infrastructure remains secure and operational, and alerts are sent if any anomalies, such as unauthorized access or equipment failures, are detected.

Cybersecurity protocols in data centers

Given that data centers, literally by definition, are used to store and/or process data, it’s vital that they implement robust digital security. Here are five of the most important cybersecurity protocols in data centers.

Firewalls

Firewalls serve as the primary defense against unauthorized network access. They filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security policies, blocking or allowing data packets according to rules that control access to the data center’s resources. Modern firewalls, such as next-generation firewalls (NGFW), can provide deep packet inspection (DPI), examining traffic at the application layer and detecting advanced threats like malware and intrusions.

Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)

IDPS actively monitors data center traffic to detect and block malicious activity. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) identify abnormal patterns or known attack signatures and alert administrators. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) go further by automatically blocking or mitigating identified threats. Both systems are essential for protecting against external attacks like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) and internal threats by identifying unauthorized activity within the network.

Data encryption

Data encryption protects sensitive data from unauthorized access by converting plaintext into ciphertext, ensuring it remains unreadable without the correct decryption key. This protocol applies both to data at rest (stored on servers or backup devices) and data in transit (moving across networks). Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is commonly used for robust encryption, securing everything from financial transactions to customer data, thereby mitigating risks associated with data breaches or interception.

Network security segmentation

Network segmentation divides the data center’s network into smaller, isolated sections to limit access and reduce exposure to threats. By separating critical systems from less sensitive areas, the attack surface is minimized, preventing attackers from moving laterally across the network. Micro-segmentation further enhances this by isolating individual workloads or applications, enforced through virtual LANs (VLANs), software-defined networking (SDN), and internal firewalls, ensuring tight control over traffic flow.

Security information and event management (SIEM)

SIEM platforms collect and analyze log data from various sources within a data center, including firewalls, IDPS, and servers. SIEM systems provide real-time monitoring, correlating events to identify potential security incidents. They can detect unusual behavior, trigger alerts, and even automate responses to certain types of threats. SIEM tools are essential for maintaining visibility across complex data center environments, ensuring rapid detection and response to security events.

Compliance standards for data center security

Data center security is often heavily influenced by the need to comply with regulatory standards. Here is an overview of five of the main compliance standards for data center security.

Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)

FISMA applies to federal agencies and contractors in the U.S., requiring them to secure IT systems and data. Data centers supporting government services must follow stringent security protocols, including continuous monitoring, risk management, and incident response planning. FISMA compliance is achieved through adherence to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, which set security requirements for federal systems.

SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2)

SOC 2 is a framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) that evaluates the internal controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of data handled by service providers, including data centers. SOC 2 requires data centers to implement strict security policies, perform regular audits, and maintain secure access controls to protect customer data.

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

PCI DSS is a set of security standards designed to protect cardholder data. Data centers processing or storing payment information must comply with PCI DSS requirements, which include encryption, access controls, regular vulnerability scans, and monitoring of network traffic. PCI DSS mandates strict physical and logical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to payment systems.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA governs the protection of healthcare data in the U.S. Data centers hosting electronic protected health information (ePHI) must implement strict security measures such as encryption, access control, audit trails, and regular risk assessments. HIPAA also mandates physical and technical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to ePHI, ensuring compliance with patient privacy regulations.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

GDPR is a European Union regulation designed to protect the privacy and personal data of EU citizens. Data centers handling EU residents’ data must ensure strong security measures, including encryption, access control, and regular audits. GDPR mandates breach notification within 72 hours and requires organizations to implement “privacy by design,” ensuring that data protection is integrated into every aspect of data processing and storage.

Best practices for securing your data center

Here are five recognized best practices for securing a data center:

Implement multi-layered access control

A robust access control system is crucial for restricting physical and digital access to the data center. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for staff entering sensitive areas, combining biometric identification (fingerprints or retina scans) with keycards or PINs. Segregate access to different zones within the data center, ensuring only authorized personnel can reach critical infrastructure. Detailed access logs should be maintained to track all entry and exit points.

Deploy strong network security

Network security is key to protecting the flow of data within the data center. Implement firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), and virtual private networks (VPNs) to monitor and control network traffic. Regular vulnerability scans should be conducted to identify and patch security gaps. Network segmentation should also be used to isolate sensitive systems and reduce the risk of lateral movement in the event of a breach.

Use data encryption

Encrypt data both at rest (stored data) and in transit (data traveling across networks). Encryption protects sensitive information from being accessed in the event of a physical breach or network interception. Use advanced encryption algorithms such as AES-256 for critical systems. Ensure that cryptographic keys are securely stored, and implement key rotation policies to enhance security.

Maintain regular security audits and monitoring

Continuous monitoring of all systems is essential to detect and respond to threats in real-time. Utilize Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to collect and analyze logs from different systems. Regular audits of physical and digital security controls are also necessary to ensure compliance with security standards and to identify areas for improvement.

Ensure redundant power and environmental controls

To maintain operational integrity, secure the power supply and environmental controls like cooling systems. Implement backup power systems, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and generators, and monitor temperature, humidity, and airflow to prevent equipment failure. Ensure that these systems are safeguarded with physical access controls and environmental sensors to detect tampering or malfunctions.

Get Started

Get Started

Discover the DataBank Difference today:
Hybrid infrastructure solutions with boundless edge reach and a human touch.

Get A Quote

Request a Quote

Tell us about your infrastructure requirements and how to reach you, and one of the team members will be in touch.

Schedule a Tour

Tour Our Facilities

Let us know which data center you’d like to visit and how to reach you, and one of the team members will be in touch shortly.