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INSIGHTS

What to know about data center security

What to know about data center security
Increasingly, end users are placing a stronger focus on the security of data centers. In this regard, a comprehensive security solution that employs both access control and video is important.
Increasingly, end users are placing a stronger focus on the security of data centers that house computer servers storing important and sensitive data  some video related  for key organizations. In this regard, a comprehensive security solution that employs both access control and video is important.
 
The importance of data centers is growing each day. As such, users are spending more on data center security. A report by MarketsandMarkets points out that the data center security market is expected to grow from US$6.32 billion in 2016 to $12.91 billion by 2021, at a high compound annual growth rate of 15.36 percent.
 
Data centers house computer servers that collect, store, process and provide access to large amounts of data for millions of users each day. As such, computer servers are critical to the essential functioning of many organizations including government entities, financial institutions, and even social networking,” said a recent blog post by Sonitrol. “The importance of data centers and servers is growing rapidly alongside the explosive trend of the internet of things which connects all kinds of devices to the internet. Because of our dependence on the internet and data, physically securing data centers is more important than ever.”
 

Access control and video are key

 
When discussing data center security, people tend to associate it with cybersecurity amid more rampant cyberattacks against networked devices. Yet according to the post, while addressing cybersecurity is a major aspect of protecting data centers, physical security cannot be underestimated.
 
In this regard, “high definition cameras and access control are the cornerstones to securing the server rooms, and creating layers of security checkpoints and requiring different methods of authentication will protect the user from lost, stolen, or compromised data,” the post said.
 
According to the post, access control can be employed at each level of restriction so that staff must be verified the closer they get to the servers. Surveillance cameras should be placed in strategic areas at each level and increase in volume as they get closer to the servers to ensure proper coverage, it added.
 
In a separate blog post, Sonitorl also provides other factors that need to be considered when ensuring data center security. They are summarized as follows:
 

Backup data regularly

 
According to the post, servers are very dependable but can sometimes shut down or die and data can be lost in seconds if they are not backed up. “There are programs for backing up data, but keep the following in mind when backing up data: Encrypt sensitive data, keep extra backups off site in case of property damage, and verify that data has been backed up successfully by making sure files are retrievable,” it said.
 

Keep it cool

 
All electronic components of servers generated heat while in operation, especially the processor, and servers could quickly become dysfunctional or worse if the temperature wasn't controlled, the post said. “A steady flow of air will move through the racks the servers are on and the heat will be dissipated,” it said.
 

Invest in UPS devices

 
According to the post, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a backup to the primary source of power running the server room. “If the power were to go out, a UPS device will immediately take over and power your data center. It can also protect against power surges by compensating for voltage and frequency fluctuations,” it said. “Having this backup allows for repairs to be done on one network without having to turn off servers or other electrical equipment. The number of UPS devices should correlate with the number of servers you have.”


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