INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE POWERED BY THE DCA INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE POWERED BY THE DCA
Industry expert says not all burglars wear balaclavas when it comes to data centre security
Managing risk in the data centre space is crucial for protecting operations and keeping data safe . Steve Hone , CEO , DCA , discusses data centre security from both a physical and cyber perspective and offers some best practice advice for covering all bases when it comes to security .
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’ d initially like to address the issue of cybersecurity . I spotted a billboard on the tube ( if you can remember when we used to frequent them ) that claimed you were 40 % more likely to be a victim of cybercrime than to have your house robbed .
This claim was backed up by the Office for National Statistics which has seen a steady rise in reported cybercrime year on year ; with more than 6 million cybercrime incidents being reported each year , far more than previously predicted and enough to nearly double the headline crime rate , that equates to more than 40 % of all crimes committed in England and Wales .
Data centres represent a very attractive target for criminals . If someone manages to breach these defences , the data halls should be protected by a host of biometric security systems , man-traps and other security protocols , meaning physical access to the servers is in no way guaranteed . However , this assumes that the criminal has a crowbar , swag bag and wearing a balaclava . What happens if the attacker is not planning on abseiling across the rooftops and dropping in through the air duct ; what if he can break into your facility and steal your data or plant a virus / DDoS all from the comfort of his / her armchair without you even knowing .
According to a cyberthreat report , business-focused cyberattacks – including ones specifically targeting data centres – has increased by 144 % in the past four years and data centres have become the number one target of cybercriminals , hacktivists and state-sponsored attackers . Although physical security should remain a top priority for data centre operators , equal consideration needs to be given to the increasing threat posed by cyberattacks with the same level of due care and attention .
Although I personally do not confess to be an expert when it comes to cybersecurity , the good news is , I know someone who is . The DCA has access to lots of members who could help so if you would like to speak to a specialist , the Trade Association can facilitate this .
Physical security
The aim of physical data centre security is to keep out the people you don ’ t want in your building or accessing your data . Simply put , if you aren ’ t on the list you can ’ t come in . Assuming their name is on the list once inside , it is imperative to continue to keep an eye on them . If you discover that someone , be it a customer , contractor or even staff member is guilty or suspected of committing a security www . intelligentdatacentres . com
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