Do you know whether or not your data center security standards are up to date? If you’re not sure or have to research it, chances are, your data center security measures need an overhaul.
Unfortunately, many companies wait until after a data breach to decide to update their security standards which can lead to irreparable damage, complete data loss, or even fines due to negligence. To ensure maximum security of your data, we’d like to explain a few data center security standards.
Quite simply, data center facilities can be a building or a room that is dedicated to storing IT systems, telecommunications, servers, routers, and other technology. A small center may be located on-site with your larger servers being stored at another location or you may have everything neatly kept in one area.
Your data center stores many pieces of your company’s hardware. This hardware includes technology that holds valuable information or can allow someone to gain access to that data.
Unfortunately, when an unauthorized user gains access to your data center, it can be detrimental for the business as well as any people whose information was stored there. To prevent any unauthorized access (via cyber-attack or physical intrusions), strict security standards need to be followed.
To best protect your data center, you’ll want to look at how the physical location is secured as well as any digital access points. Data center security relies heavily on managing who has access to the area, keeping doors locked, video surveillance, or even hiring security personnel.
Physical security in data centers is ideal, but this isn’t always an option. In this event, you may choose to use an access list or give authorized personnel RFID key cards to gain entry to your center.
Depending on the size of the data center and whether it is shared with another entity, you may decide to implement multi-factor authorization (providing more than one credential for access) or use interlocking checkpoints (physical security measures and barriers).
You may also opt for a “zero trust” policy. The idea is to, “never trust, always verify.” Verification is required by anyone who wants to access your data center or network resources, giving as little access as needed to users. This policy assumes that attackers may be inside or outside of your organization.
Aside from physical security measures, data center security standards also need to incorporate the use of cybersecurity technology. When properly used and monitored, an intrusion detection system and an intrusion prevention system can go a long way toward preventing unauthorized users from accessing your data via the internet.
Additionally, ensure that all employees are trained on how to avoid social engineering tactics, how to spot phishing and vishing scams, and their role in data center security. Each of these security measures is important for maintaining the integrity and overall security of your data.
Maintaining and updating data center security standards can be difficult for business owners, no matter their experience level. However, this task is one of the most important ones within an organization as it helps to keep your business’ information protected and avoid downtime caused by cyberattacks or loss of data.
If you’d like to build a custom-tailored data center security plan for your business or learn more about our pricing, contact us today!