Exploring Perimeter Security In Data Center Environments

Despite the old saying, good fences don’t actually make for good neighbors. They do, however, effectively mitigate the risk posed by bad neighbors. That’s why robust perimeter security is considered to be key to robust overall security. With that in mind, here is a brief guide to what you need to know about perimeter security in data centers.

The role of perimeter security in overall security

Perimeter security is the foundation on which all other security rests. This includes digital security. There is no point in having robust digital security if a malicious actor can just walk into your data center facility and walk out again with a copy of your digital assets on a physical storage device.

Types of perimeter security barriers

There are three main types of perimeter security barriers. These are fences, walls, and bollards. Here is an overview of their main characteristics.

Fences

The two types of fences most commonly used in data centers are chain-link and welded wire mesh.

Chain-link fences

Chain-link fences are composed of interwoven steel wires forming a diamond pattern, providing a cost-effective and versatile perimeter barrier. They are often topped with barbed wire or razor wire to deter climbing.

These fences are effective against unauthorized physical access and casual intrusion, creating a visible deterrent and a physical obstacle that delays and deters intruders. They are particularly useful for marking boundaries and controlling pedestrian access, while their transparency allows for unobstructed surveillance.

Welded wire mesh fences

Welded wire mesh fences consist of steel wires welded at intersections to form a rigid, grid-like structure. These fences offer higher security than chain-link fences due to their rigidity and durability.

They are effective against unauthorized access and climbing attempts, as the small mesh openings make it difficult to gain a foothold. Welded wire mesh fences are often used in conjunction with electronic surveillance and intrusion detection systems to enhance perimeter security further.

Walls

The two types of walls most commonly used in data centers are concrete and gabion.

Concrete walls

Concrete walls are solid, opaque barriers providing substantial physical security. They are typically used in high-security environments where robust protection is required. These walls are highly effective against vehicle-borne attacks, vandalism, and espionage. Their solid structure can withstand impacts and provide a strong visual barrier, preventing outsiders from seeing inside the facility. Additionally, concrete walls can be enhanced with anti-climb features and integrated with other security systems like motion sensors and cameras.

Gabion walls

Gabion walls are made from wire mesh cages filled with rocks or other heavy materials, providing a sturdy and visually impressive barrier. These walls are effective against both physical intrusion and vehicle-borne attacks. Their substantial weight and solid construction make them difficult to breach or displace. Gabion walls also offer aesthetic and environmental benefits, as they can be integrated with natural landscapes and provide sound insulation, making them suitable for data centers located in urban areas.

Anti-ram bollards

Bollards are short, sturdy vertical posts installed to prevent vehicle access. Anti-ram bollards are specifically designed to stop vehicles traveling at high speeds, making them effective against vehicular ramming attacks. They are typically made of steel or reinforced concrete and are deeply embedded in the ground to withstand significant impact forces. These barriers protect against vehicle-borne threats, such as ramming attacks or car bombings, by preventing vehicles from reaching the facility’s critical areas.

The importance of access points

All barriers need access points for humans and, in the case of data centers, usually vehicles too. Gates are the main option but they can be supplemented by turnstiles. Data centers may also wish to implement automatic license plate recognition systems to expedite vehicle access.

Gates

Gates can be either traditional swing or slide. Sliding gates can make it possible to install gates where there is not enough space for a gate to swing.

While small data centers may still use manual gates, it’s more common for gates to be electric (with manual override). This allows them to leverage automation (e.g. automated ID-checking) and/or be operated remotely, which enhances both safety and convenience.

Turnstiles

Unlike gates, turnstiles are not effective for allowing vehicular access. This can, however, be an advantage. For example, if data centers want to separate vehicular traffic from foot traffic (and possibly bicycle traffic), then they may implement a turnstile option alongside a gate. Pedestrians and cyclists can pass through the turnstile easily but vehicles will need to use the gate.

ALPR

Automatic license plate recognition can facilitate processing vehicle access to a data center facility. These systems can also provide robust logs of vehicle entries and exits if required for security investigations.