The digital transformation has driven cloud service providers to demand more storage facilities to handle the growing volume of big data. To protect these critical facilities, it is essential to implement robust security measures.
A data center houses information, applications, and services essential for the daily operations of businesses. Below are the 8 security layers that establish best practices to protect your data:
1. Perimeter Security
The outer perimeter of the data center must be protected by a multifaceted wall, the first line of defense against attacks and natural disasters. Physical barriers are crucial to deter potential intruders.
2. Perimeter Guard Post
The second layer consists of a surveillance zone at the perimeter fence. All visitors must register at least 48 hours in advance, answering security questions about their background and the purpose of their visit. Access to limited areas is only allowed after prior screening and approval.
3. Building Entrance
Upon entry, visitors’ belongings are identified and inspected using an industrial X-ray machine and a metal detector, ensuring that no unauthorized items are brought in. While this type of X-ray screening is used in highly secure facilities, most data centers do not have such measures.
4. Personal Access to Secure Area
Visitors receive access badges specifying the permitted areas. They then pass through a hermetically sealed room, known as a mantrap, where they are weighed. Any significant weight discrepancy is reported to security for investigation, ensuring no hazardous items are left behind.
5. Elevator Access Control
In tall buildings, visitors can only use designated elevators and access specific floors, limiting movement and preventing unauthorized access.
6. Secure Data Hallway
Smart sensors and CCTV cameras along the hallway prohibit unauthorized access. A “no tailgating” policy is essential for the Network Operations Center (NOC) to monitor every person entering the data room, ensuring the accuracy of visitor data in case of a security breach.
7. Data Center Vault
The vaults must be constantly monitored by CCTV to detect suspicious activities and maintain visual contact with all visitors, as racks are housed here. The data center must know at all times who is in the vault, where they are, and what they are doing. If there are more people than expected, an alert is triggered.
8. Rack-Level Access
Only a select group of individuals, previously evaluated, receive a biometric key to access the racks. Biometric access, which cannot be duplicated or physically stolen, ensures data security. Some clients may choose to have additional surveillance at the racks according to their specific needs.
A competent operations team must anticipate the worst-case scenario and apply all necessary security measures to ensure impregnable facilities. It is not enough to simply follow industry standards; facilities must stay up-to-date with technological advancements and emerging threats.
Data center providers understand the importance of maintaining data security and enforce the latest security standards to protect information. They set best practices in security innovations to create a fortress against theft and unauthorized access.
Among the leading data center and infrastructure providers in Spain are Digital Realty (formerly InterXion), Equinix, and Data4, who have implemented rigorous security measures in their facilities. Additionally, Spanish companies like Stackscale, IpCore, Hispaweb, Comvive, and OaxisCloud (Grupo Aire) also stand out for offering secure and high-quality infrastructure solutions tailored to the needs of the local and international market.