4 Tips For Better Data Center Security

In an era where data breaches are growing both in frequency and severity, the need for enhanced data center security is more pressing than ever. The implications of a security lapse can be devastating, impacting your bottom line and your company’s reputation.

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Why Data Center Security Matters

Data is a highly valuable commodity. It’s the building blocks of billion-dollar companies (and something that hackers spend thousands of hours trying to steal or compromise for their own selfish gains). You could call data the backbone of the digital economy, which has its tentacles stretched out to every corner of the globe. And while you might not think your data is of value to malicious hackers, think again.

A recent report by cybersecurity firm Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that the cost of cybercrime globally will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. These figures, representing nearly a threefold increase in just a decade, are a stark indication of the escalating cyber threat landscape.

A data breach can have serious and long-lasting consequences. The ramifications extend far beyond just financial losses. An attack can lead to the exposure of sensitive customer data and intellectual property.

It can ruin your company’s reputation, lead to lawsuits, and ultimately the loss of customers. All of these factors combine to underscore the critical need for robust data center security. It doesn’t matter how small or large your organization is – this is a must!

4 Tips to Enhance Your Data Center Security

Outsiders often think there’s an “easy button” you can press to solve all of your data center security needs. Or they assume there’s a software or tool that fixes it. But it’s more complicated than this.

“There are several common data center security challenges, from physical security to access-related issues, such as Denial of Service (DoS),” Park Place Technologies explains. “In addition, there are data-related issues, such as confidential information being stolen, data being altered, or the pure loss of data.” As you think about your data center security, several considerations must be addressed.

1. Physical Security

We’re going to get to the “cyber” security part of the discussion here in a moment, but don’t underestimate the need for good physical security. Without it, all of your digital safeguards will be worthless.

Start with very basic measures like locks and access doors. Then think about surveillance cameras and intrusion detection systems. Motion detectors add another layer of protection against unauthorized access attempts.

2. Access Control Systems

Once you have your physical security in place as a first line of defense, you can move on to thinking about access control systems. Begin by defining access levels based on job roles. Not every employee needs access to every part of your data center. Limiting access to those with a legitimate business need reduces the risk of accidental or intentional data loss.

Technology can be used to enforce access levels. This includes biometric systems (like fingerprint and retinal scanners) as well as accounts and passwords. (Make sure the passwords are changed and updated regularly.)

3. Employee Training

Every single staff member should undergo regular security training to cover the basic risks and proper responses to things like phishing attempts and physical access. You should also equip employees with strategies for using strong passwords and learning to identify threats. Security training isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it thing. It’s an ongoing concern that must be taken seriously. Continue to offer regular updates, tips, and reminders on a monthly basis.

4. Cybersecurity Tools

As cyber threats evolve, they become more sophisticated. To counter these threats, you must equip your organization with advanced tools that detect and thwart these attacks. This may include some combination of the following:

Firewalls
Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
Antivirus software
Data encryption tools
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems
Zero Trust security

With the right cybersecurity tools layered together, you can create a stronger perimeter that prevents attackers from easily penetrating your organization and compromising your data.

Setting Yourself Up For Success

Maintaining a secure data center isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a continuous process that requires regular audits and updates. Technology, threats, and business requirements change rapidly, and your security measures need to keep pace. Make sure you’re conducting regular audits and security updates to keep pace.

A thorough audit should be conducted at least once a year, although high-risk industries or companies subject to specific regulations might require more frequent audits. It’s often beneficial to involve a third-party auditor, as they can provide an objective perspective and may spot issues that internal teams have missed.