In the digital age of today, protection of precious data and infrastructure are not optional. When data center colocation is selected by businesses, they are essentially placing vital IT equipment in the hands of another (third-party providers) – therefore security becomes one of the top factors to consider. Colocation delivers amazing cost savings, scalability and uptime, Nevertheless, this good stuff can be negated by poor security. To provide the peace of mind your company needs to keep functioning and scaling, here are the security features all companies should expect from their provider.
Physical Protection: Your Initial Defense Blocks And Walls
Physical security must be both pervasive and multilayered as well as continuous. Your provider will maintain the control over who has access to the centre — and how. Look for on-site security personnel 24/7, secure entrance gates with keycard or biometric access and perimeter fencing and monitored surveillance cameras.
Best-in-class colocation data centers have multi-factor authentication systems in place at several entry points to the server space. Mantraps (combination of a space and an access control technology) that individuals need to pass through two doors, one after the other, are used to mitigate tailgating or unauthorized entry.
Video Observation and Monitoring
24/7 surveillance is critical to secure assets at all times. Consider a facility with 24/7 CCTV monitoring and real-time alerts. Footage should be saved in a secure location and reviewed frequently.
Surveillance should include more than just video – environmental sensors (for smoke, heat, humidity, motion) provide additional layers of safety. With a reactive monitoring solution, problems are identified and fixed after they’ve already mushroomed into full-blown dangers.
Backup and Redundant Power Solutions
Security isn’t just about invaders — it includes protecting against it distrurbing business as usual. Colocation services require redundant power systems such as backup generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that can maintain continuous service in the event of an outage.
Tier III or Tier IV data centre colocation sites may be provided with either N+1 or 2N Diverse Power Supplies. So, there’s always at least one backup for each power component, minimizing the risk of experiencing downtime from an equipment failure.
Detection and Extinguishing of Fire
Since fire can destroy IT equipment in seconds, early detection and cutting edge suppression systems are paramount. Smoke detectors, fire alarms, and clean-agent fire suppression systems (like FM-200 or inert gas) are best if provided by a colocation service to protect equipment without making a mess.
Additionally, hot/cold aisle containment and airflow management are implemented at certain centers to minimize the risk of fire resulting from overheated elements.
Putting Your Data Reasonable Security Measures in Place – Data Security
Just as important as the physical security of a Digital Realty colocation facility is protection of digital access. Your provider should provide you advanced firewall solutions, IDPS, DDoS mitigation, and segmented networks to separate clients hardware.
You should also expect colocation providers to offer secure remote access, encryption for data in transit, and regular vulnerability assessments to help mitigate security threats.
To conclude: All You Need is Security
Picking the right colocation provider is not only a strategic decision, but also it pertains directly to the security and well-being of your business and data. By insisting on strong physical, environmental, and network security, you’re securing not only your hardware, but also your name. The top colocation data center providers offer state-of-the-art tech with tight security measures, so you can scale with confidence (and without distraction).