The data center business is booming, with demand for supercharged computing power predicted to grow by 10% every year for at least the next five years. Data centers have become essential to modern business, and along with powering the advancements of AI and machine learning, they are often responsible for safeguarding vast amounts of sensitive—and often classified—information.
Data centers have extensive cybersecurity measures built into their digital infrastructure, but their physical security often poses a greater security risk due to frequent human access. Technicians, custodial staff, and maintenance teams regularly enter these spaces, creating potential vulnerabilities. Even one unchecked visitor or unsecured entry point can expose sensitive information, making physical security as crucial as digital protection. Because of this, data center managers must ask: Are current physical security measures strong enough to protect sensitive data?
Hidden Security Risks in Data Centers
When people think of data security, cyber threats are typically what come to mind. However, physical breaches pose an equally significant threat and can lead to catastrophic results, including data theft, system sabotage, and major operational disruptions. Without adequate physical security, unauthorized individuals may access sensitive information or compromise digital infrastructure, putting entire operations at risk.
Forbes reported about such issues at TikTok data centers in Northern Virginia. Unmarked flash drives, a common tactic used to introduce malicious software into secure systems, were plugged into servers within TikTok facilities. Physical security measures varied building to building, and were mostly safeguarded by badge access control systems. While there was a policy that all guests had to be escorted while in the facility, employees felt they didn’t always have time to do so. That left visitors unattended, and there were at least four reports of unmarked flash drives being plugged into servers.
Granular controls over physical security can help limit risks like these. Granular security creates highly specific levels of access so individuals only have access to exactly what they need to do their job. For example, a technician maintaining server hardware might require access to specific server cabinets, while a custodian only needs general access to the facility and not the server cabinets.
Implementing detailed access control reduces the potential for unauthorized or unnecessary access and mitigates security risks like those experienced at TikTok.
The Right Security Components For Data Centers
Effective data center security requires several core components that work together as a cohesive security strategy. These components include:
Advanced Access Control Systems
Advanced access control systems include biometric readers, cabinet-level locks, and badge readers to ensure only authorized individuals gain access. Cabinet-level locks equipped with biometric entry or badge readers provide precise control over who can access each piece of critical infrastructure within the facility and limit vulnerabilities.
Integrated Surveillance Systems
By connecting surveillance cameras directly to access control systems, facilities have real-time monitoring and event correlation. If an unauthorized access attempt occurs, cameras instantly capture and alert security personnel, allowing immediate response and minimizing potential damage.
Intrusion Detection Systems
Intrusion detection should identify unusual activity such as forced entry or unauthorized access attempts, even during business hours. These systems use sensors that detect vibration, sound, or movement and alert security teams to potential breaches before they become a major incident.
The Consequences of Poor Data Center Security
The physical risks facing data centers extend far beyond theft and sabotage. In 2021, a man attempted to destroy an Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center in Virginia by planting explosives. The suspect believed that targeting the facility would “kill off about 70% of the internet.” Police were able to intercept the man and stop the plot, but it underscores how serious the physical security threats can be and the risks they pose to critical infrastructure.
Inadequate physical security can have far-reaching consequences beyond immediate data loss or operational disruption. Unauthorized access can lead to prolonged downtime, affecting revenue and productivity. Compliance breaches can result in heavy fines and legal consequences. There can be severe damage to an organization’s reputation, too, which can have lasting effects on client trust. The consequences of physical security breaches highlight the need for robust physical security measures that protect the data center and the infrastructure it supports.
Ariel Strengthens Data Center Security with Proven Solutions
Strong physical security in data centers requires expert guidance and meticulous attention to detail. Ariel delivers both. Our company specializes in designing and implementing advanced physical security systems that meet the strict requirements of government and high-security facilities. Our proactive approach includes thorough security evaluations, tailored installation, and ongoing compliance support so your data remains secure against emerging physical threats.
Don’t ignore vulnerabilities in your physical security setup. Ariel’s experience ensures your facility is equipped with reliable, effective security solutions. Contact Ariel today to start a thorough evaluation of your data center’s physical security setup.