Austin Data Center Security – Inner Layer of Security

A data center is a facilitytypically used for storing a company’s most vital assets – its data. In the IT world, this equates to its applications, mainframes, networks, and giant quantities of data. A data center that is classified as a Tier 4 facility would be considered a mission-critical facility that could take up one huge building with hundreds of thousands of servers.

Regardless of the facility type, there is one thing is crucial for any data center. That is the security of the facility, especially in terms of the inner security layer.

The Inner Security Layer

Making sure that a Tier 4 data center has 99.995 percent availability is a difficult but ultimately necessary task. It requires that critical systems such communications and power are provided with full redundancy. To manage this high level operation, several users, support, and sometimes third-party groups will all have to have access andbe able towork within the facility. This means that the inner layer of security needs to be well planned to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing restricted areas. When evaluating data centers for this security, it is important to recognize how the facility uses security to separate these individuals and track their access to facility resources.

Card Reader Systems

The technology most preferred to control access to the variety of rooms within a data center is a card reader system. Spaces that utilize a proximity card reader control system should include:

• Whitefloors/server rooms
• UPS rooms
• Battery and generator areas
• Chiller plant
• Equipment staging area
• Storage rooms
• Vendor storage and third-party areas
• Cooling towers
• Maintenance areas
• Personnel offices
• Other support areas

For those areas that require increased security, Austin data centers may choose to combine card readers with a pin pad or biometric systems. Areas that may require this additional security include server rooms, carrier rooms, tape vaults, and the mechanical plant. The highest security level should be given to the command area of the data center, as well as where the data is actually stored. Biometric technology systems can control portals that provide the means for authorized staff to enter and exit areas.

Video Surveillance Systems

Video cameras should also be present in these areas, as well as the heart of the data center and any relevant corridors. Another place for video surveillance would include any emergency exit doors. The video hardware should be placed on the secure side only. Depending on the safety and building codes, time-delayed egress hardware with alarms could be utilized on these exits to provide security staff enough time to respond to alarms, as well as to discourage the use of these exits except in an emergency.

In creating these security protocols for a data center, the fact is it always a good idea to hope for the best and plan for the worst. Considering the facility’s inner security layer is a crucial part of this planning.