Virtual and Physical Security Collide to Dominate Data Center Security

Virtual and Physical Security Collide to Dominate Data Center Security

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Aug 12, 2015

The primary focus when it comes to data center security is protecting it from cyber and physical attacks. Such a high volume of data is generated, some of which is extremely sensitive, making all types of security a must.

One trend that data centers are seeing is, of course, the cloud and migrating to it in the coming years. Because of this, the security market will see a rise of opportunities in cloud data center security. To be a player in this security niche, it’s important to realize the main components of data center security: hardware including detection and authentication devices, biometric systems and surveillance cameras, software and services, in addition to access control, compliance and data protection.

When it comes to physically protecting data centers, these three methods are recommended:

  1. Multi-layered authentication: More and more, data center managers are segregating their facility into sections like, visitors, employee and core areas, so each of these areas should require a separate type of authentication for access. Biometrics – iris or fingerprint scanning – can be used to help eliminate the chance of “accidental” access.
  2. Physical design: Data centers should consider designing their facilities more like warehouses with thick walls, minimal windows and effective HVAC systems, meaning it should be able to protect people inside the facility from biological or chemical attacks by circulating air inside the building.
  3. Detection devices: Data centers should increase their volume of surveillance cameras, air contamination detectors and vehicle checks.

The goal for cyber security is to be prepared rather than reactive, in other words, plan and prepare for the worst so that if and when the facility is attacked, the reaction will be smooth, quick and effective. The use of perimeter firewalls is helpful in scanning all data, making it able to alert before suspicious data enters into the data center’s internal network.

It looks like security professionals have an exciting niche in which to explore: data center security, both cyber and physical.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.