Server room security is highly important as with time there has been an increase in violations of organizational data. Hacking data has become easier with the use of new complex techniques. Thus, it is important to secure the data by protecting the server room.
The server room is one of the most vital components of any facility or organization. All the equipment and devices are kept in the server room. Therefore, it is fundamental to any security plan or policy.
What is a Server Room?
The server room is the core of any organization as it stores all the computing devices. It is connected to the building's cabling, cooling, and power structure. Therefore, it is a crucial part of any data facility in an organization.
The area of the server room differs based on the needs of the organization. Typically, a server room has numerous different servers. A high-functioning facility can have more than a thousand servers. For some companies, there might be several server rooms in their facility.
All the infrastructural components are kept in a server room that is necessary for supporting the network systems. For example, environmental control systems, power systems, fire suppression systems, cable management systems, etc. It also consists of physical hardware like server units and storage equipment.
Tips to Secure Your Server Room
Constructing a secure server room is completely different from securing the server room. Server room security is an ongoing process. Thus, server room security is highly challenging as it requires constant advancement to protect the data from any kind of threat. Server room security firstly starts with the physical security of the room. The following are a few tips to secure your server room:
1. Outline Vulnerabilities: The first aspect of server room security is to chart all the possible vulnerabilities in the server room. The blueprint of the server room can guide you to locate weak areas in the server room. You can easily decide the location of the cameras and the sensors with the help of the server room map.
Without the map of the server room, there are higher chances of missing out on the blind spots in the server room. Locating vulnerabilities in the infrastructure can also help you to be aware of and manage server room security. For example, a certain staff member can cut off the power supply to the server room. Therefore, it is beneficial to identify all the gaps in the server room security.
2. Install Security Cameras: The server room has important devices and computers. These devices are in charge of controlling and operating your organization. Consequently, the security of the server room should be a priority. Security cameras provide an effective security solution. They aid you in monitoring and keeping a record of the data in your server room. Video surveillance can help to detect any problem, and immediate action can be taken by the security personnel. The cameras can also be easily connected to the other sensors in the server room.
3. Install Motion Sensors: Motion sensors detect any kind of unauthorized movement in and around the server room. They are useful in enhancing server room security. There are different kinds of sensors available that can be installed as per the needs of the organization. The most useful sensors are motion sensors. They come with an alarm system that is triggered in the event of any violation in the server room. Motion sensors also record every movement that takes place in the server room. Hence, in the case of any violation, you can easily retain the data to analyse the situation.
Door contact sensors are also available for ready installation in the server room. The alarm activates when some person tries to open the server room without proper authorization. These sensors generate the data for all the movement that takes place in the server room. In turn, it helps to increase the efficiency of the server room security.
4. Install Water Leakage and Smoke detector: Data centers need to be protected from all sorts of attacks, calamities and disasters. Installing a water leakage detector will be very fruitful for any organization. Smart I Systems provides Environmental Monitoring solutions that can secure your workplaces from factors like heat, humidity, air pressure, smoke and water leakage which can be quite devastating for the organization.
5. Secure Server Cabinets: The server room should have secure server cabinet racks to add extra protection. Both the doors of the cabinet, that is the front and the back door can be kept locked and can be utilized based on the needs of the organization. Additionally, biometric scanners are used for safeguarding the cabinet racks. A remote authorization can be installed as well.
6. Lock the Doors: Locking the doors is most commonly used with the help of mechanical locks. But a more advanced device like an access control system can be installed at critical points in the server room to enhance server room security. The access control system can include multifactor authentication, which can include voice recognition, face scanner, fingerprint scanner, and so on. The tighter the security, the less likely there will be any trespassing or unauthorized entry. Furthermore, additional security personnel may be present to verify the identity of the individual using the server room.
7. Back Up Your Data: Important data should always be duplicated. In case of any disaster, the data can be easily retrieved but the backup data should also be kept securely in the server room. The backup disk, tape, or drive should be locked in a safe or a drawer to protect it from being misused. Ideally, the backup drive should be kept somewhere safe outside the location.
8. Disable the drives: There is a risk that employees will copy the information to any removable device, posing a risk to the organization. The floppy drives, input ports, and other ways of connecting external drives can be disabled to protect the data. There is software that helps you achieve this goal.
9. Protect the portables: Handheld computers and laptops present a threat to security as they can be easily transferred from one place to another. Anyone can easily steal any of these devices and access confidential information. Therefore, such portable devices should be secured in a safe place with a lock that can only be accessed by an authorized individual.
10. Lock the computer case: Server room security can be increased by locking the computer case. The computer case can be opened and the hard drive can be accessed easily. Any person can carry the drive in their pocket and leave. Hence, it is necessary to lock the case to prevent it from opening without a key.
11. Multi-layer authentication: Multi-layer authentication is one of the best security measures for server room security. An airlock-control is a small entrance with two different doors that separate the hallway access from the server room entrance. They have three different designs that are restricted entry and unrestricted exit, restricted entry, and restricted exit, and two-person authentication. The most popular and robust security measure is two-person authentication, which requires approval from two people to open and access the server room.
Conclusion
Server room security must be a priority of the organization as it consists of all the valuable data and assets. It is an absolute necessity to provide security to the server room from any kind of attack. A few tips to secure your server room include outlining vulnerabilities, installing cameras and motion sensors, locking the doors of the server room, securing server cabinet racks, protecting the portables and backups, and disabling the drives.
