Securing the Server Room, No Matter the Size
Virtually all businesses have server rooms. It may be a single equipment rack in the office of a small business, or it may be a dedicated room with thousands of servers. No matter the size, the data and communication paths are critical to business operations. Theft or data corruption may lead to lost revenue, operational delays, stolen personal data, and tarnished reputations.
The Door
At the door, access control permits authorized users into the server room. So, what level of access control is appropriate for your business? Some businesses may be appropriately protected with a single-door PIN code on the door handle. For larger applications, server room doors may be connected to the corporate access control solution. This requires door control hardware and an access card credential reader to be installed at the door.
Both single and multi-door applications can use PIN, credential card, or biometric options. For some businesses, two-factor authentication may be appropriate. With two-factor authentication, a person attempting to enter the room must present two forms of identification. If a credential card were lost, for example, it could not be used by the wrong person to enter the server room. The credential card must be presented in tandem with a PIN or biometric credential before the door will unlock. For critical and highly sensitive applications, two-man rules may appropriate. For this solution, two people must simultaneously present one or more credentials for the door to open.
In addition to access control at the door, intrusion detection and video surveillance is a must. Ideally, these systems are integrated to decrease response times and streamline investigations. Video surveillance will provide evidence of the break-in, revealing the identity of the intruder. Intrusion detection will alert authorities if someone tries to breach the door without using the access control system.
The Room
Although different departments may have access to the server room, they may not have access to the server racks or specific areas of the server room. For example, building maintenance may be allowed to work on the left side of the room where specialized HVAC cooling equipment is located, but not anywhere else. In this situation, an intrusion detection system can monitor sensitive areas within the same room. A special PIN code can disarm the sensitive areas of the room when IT staff needs to access the server racks. If someone accesses the server rack area without entering a code, the system can send a text alert to the IT department staff or security team to investigate.
The Rack
Access to a server rack is high-risk. Small mishaps, such as an unplugged or loosened cable, can disrupt internet connectivity or crash an internal system. Side panels and locking doors on the front and back of the rack are good deterrents. Each rack, or row of racks can also be assigned a special PIN to monitor door opening. If opened without a PIN, an internal alert to IT and/or security will be generated. When PINs are used appropriately, the system can maintain an entrance log. Additionally, security cameras in or around the rack can capture video evidence and log or transmit a snapshot of the rack entry.
Rely on A Trusted Security Partner
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 cyber security 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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