HOW TO ENSURE DATA CENTER SECURITY
Info OPM
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HOW TO ENSURE DATA CENTER SECURITY
Data is valuable to individuals, companies, and nations alike. It can be illustrated that data is the "fuel of the digital economy." With many data centers, strong defense is required. Thus, physical security is crucial, where breaches can result in significant losses for owners. Compliance with data center security standards and potential threats is more important than ever.
But how do you actually protect areas with very high asset value? This article discusses various threats, challenges, and best practices.
Major Threats to Physical Data Center Security
Data centers typically have significant physical security within a small area, making it challenging for security leaders to manage. Unfortunately, prioritizing it like office space won't suffice for data center protection.
1. Set it and forget it" mentality
Many data centers are guilty of adopting a "set it and forget it" mindset when building a facility. While it gives the appearance of high security, it allows software to become outdated and unmonitored. This mindset needs to evolve to protect stored data effectively
2. Physical Threats via Cyber Exploitation
The primary attack vector for physical attacks can now be through cyber security or exploiting its vulnerabilities, highlighting the interplay between physical, logical, and network security
3. Data Protection from Insider Threats
Another common issue is insider threats, where data theft originates from within the data center. Insider threats involve both internal and external actors and have become a notable cybersecurity concern
Security Standards to Be Met or Complied with by Data Centers
Compliance with physical data center security standards is "mandatory" for proper regulation and protection. Failure to meet these standards can result in hefty fines, making deep recognition crucial
1. ISO 27001: Mandates requirements for information security management systems, providing customers with data protection assurance
2. **ISO 20000-1**: Regulates IT service management systems, ensuring customers receive well-managed and high-quality services
3. **SSAE 18 SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, and SOC 3**: Statements about standards for engagement set important benchmarks for audit service standards in companies, with various SOC types available
4. **HIPAA, PCI DSS, and Others**: These regulations govern information security within specific domains, such as healthcare for HIPAA and payment card industry data for PCI DSS
Best Practices for Data Center Security
Securing physical data centers requires careful consideration of several factors. Industry experts list some of the best practices for data center security:
1. Multi-Layered Approach:
No single security solution suffices for data center protection. A multi-layered approach with relevant technologies like perimeter fencing, access control points, surveillance cameras, physical barriers, and access control throughout the facility is essential
2.Background Checks
Preventing insider threats is significant. It's crucial for security leaders to consider individuals employed in data center facilities and implement measures like background checks, security audits, and strong policies and procedures
3. Access Control and Identity Management
Controlling access and identity management for authorized personnel entering the data center is critical. Implementing preventive measures like multi-factor authentication, anomaly detection, identity management vs. credential management, and real-time monitoring of physical device security are vita
4. Robust Data Center Security Architecture:
Lastly, protecting data centers requires a security architecture that meets all standards. Planning security from the beginning and considering both cyber and physical security design is essentia
Challenges Limiting Data Center Security Measures
The main challenge in ensuring data center security is corporate adoption. Traditionally, IT and physical security don't collaborate well, hindering solid corporate adoption plans. Recognizing associated risks is crucial for implementing appropriate security