A Closer Look at Physical Security Solutions for Data Centers: Layered Security

Intrusion detection and basic video surveillance may suffice for many organizations. At data centers, however, a layered high-tech solution is best for both the organization and its customers.

Customer data and intellectual property require physical and electronic and physical security in addition to a cybersecurity strategy.

Deterring and Delaying

Deterring and delaying is a foundational premise of solution design. Physical solutions create a powerful barrier between the threat and your protected property.

Visible security devices are great deterrents. Criminals consider the risks and benefits of any breach attempt. Projecting a fortified defense is an excellent start. Fences, bollards, gates, and conspicuous cameras are both warnings and barriers.

Even with conspicuous systems, breach attempts happen regularly. Criminals may become creative and aggressive to overcome the physical barriers. Layering is critical for this reason.

Layers

Layers are standard for medium and large organizations. With integration, layered systems simplify user operations, leveraging individual system strengths, and augment the overall performance of the complete solution.

Layered systems may include:

• Physical barriers
• Intrusion detection
  • Perimeter (PIDS)
  • Building (IDS)
• Surveillance cameras
• Access control
• Security device cyber protection
• Mass communication

In a layered system, fences and gates are a visible deterrent. Systems monitoring the perimeter detect unauthorized behavior and alert security teams. Security teams can verify the alert with video surveillance feeds from exterior cameras. If the threat reaches the building, the intrusion detection and access control systems detect building breach attempts. The access control solution maintains locked entrances that will only open with authorized credentials. Credentials may be a physical card, personal identification number, biometric, or combination of the three.

If the building is breached, the intrusion detection system will create one or more alerts and queue video surveillance feeds for the area of the breach. All offices and sensitive areas are secured with additional layers of access control and intrusion detection, as well as reinforced walls, doors, and door hardware. Internal layers protect against both external breaches and unauthorized employee access.

Within critical areas, reinforced equipment cabinets are equipped with intrusion detection and access control. These systems not only detect and prevent a breach but also log all access attempts.

Cyber Meets Physical

Cyber-attacks can crash systems, poach data, and alter physical security parameters. Mismanaged security devices are vulnerable bridges to connected systems. Cybersecurity must be layered as well.

While the IT team has many layers of their own security in place, some physical and electronic security devices are still vulnerable. Deploy only secure devices to protect a data center. High-performance cameras use encryption and authentication measures. Trusted platform modules, encryption, certificates, and authentication are standard for reputable security device manufacturers.

As we mentioned above, a layered high-tech solution is best for both your company and your customers. The opportunity to develop a layered security approach is well within your reach. Netronix Integration is here to help get you started.

A Trusted Partner – Why Companies Rely on Netronix Integration

Trusted security integration companies will always work with the IT department and other stakeholders to ensure that the security devices themselves are safe from cyber-attacks.

Our experienced system design team understands that every organization has unique IT and physical security challenges. We have the extensive security experience and IT capabilities you’ll need to ensure physical and cybersecurity compliance.

Netronix Integration evaluates the challenges, performance expectations, environmental conditions, and IT requirements at your facility. Input is gathered from the security team, facilities staff, IT department, administrators, and other stakeholders. We perform a site survey, inside and outside, to uncover potential vulnerabilities. Once risks and expectations are defined, our team designs a unified security solution. Products from a variety of leading manufacturers are assembled into a custom design.

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