Everybody knows by now that Cloud technology has changed our lives. So much so that it isn’t even news anymore: The Cloud is just there. It puts our lives at ease, of course, to know that our data and information is stored safely in data centers all over the world.
These centers are encrypted, secured and have high redundancy rates (as they’re spread over a variety of drives). Our data is safe from intrusion – but are the data centers, themselves? Here are 5 steps you need to take to ensure the maximum protection and safety protocol for your data center.
1. Isolate the Network
Any unauthorized person who gets into the system got there because of a vulnerability point in the network. It happens all the time. Attackers usually target unused accounts or services, and disguise their files using those names in the system directories.
This can be prevented by isolating the network (through the use of out-of-band management networks) that provide no back-door entry for attackers. This alone will make sure that the network isn’t as big of a target.
2. Temperature
Keep the server room cool. This method may seem like a no-brainer, right? Until your hardware overheats and has to be shut down for maintenance. During this period, there’s no way of telling how many attackers managed to access your data center.
You can prevent this from happening by making sure the server room has its own set of intake/exhaust vents dedicated to that room. You can also install blanking panels in your racks with unused spaces.
This prevents hot air from becoming trapped in those empty spaces. Prevent as much heat as possible from entering the room – which will lead to equipment failure and reduce the lifespan of your components.
3. Track What You Have
Keeping track of your assets is like keeping track of your budget. If you don’t know how much you spent versus how much cash is coming in, there’s no way of knowing where you stand financially.
Use data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software to track your assets. These programs let you improve data center infrastructure design, planning and improve uptime performances.
This software will show you any open ports that pose as a potential threat point, allowing you to close any unnecessary ports. This makes it easier for you to use IT service management solutions. Companies like BMC Service Management help you manage your IT assets.
4. Surveillance
Having adequate surveillance systems in place is the priority for detailed security. It is your first line of defense against attackers. Which means you must install security cameras around the perimeter of your data center. Metal detectors should also be installed to ensure nobody removes hardware from the server room.
5. Building Design
Does your data serve a multi-purpose function or a single-purpose function? Multi-purpose styles are generally considered to be less secure, as there is more space for security guards and personnel to responsible for – on top of the existing offices for the businesses.
Data centers and server rooms must be exclusively for housing IT infrastructure. This means they must be removed from the main road, inaccessible to everyday traffic and have frequent security patrols.
Conclusion
Almost everything these days has remote access and several IP addresses. If these are left exposed and vulnerable, anybody could access them and have their way. Think about IT security holistically.
Because we live in a hyper-connected world, IT infrastructure access is more important now than ever to maintain the security of your data and data centers.
