With news of cybertheft and hacking making its rounds, it is easy to understand why businesses are so concerned with online security. Malicious and crafty hackers do pose an issue for companies in possession of valuable data, but they are not the only threat. After all, what use is online password protection if anyone can steal the actual hard drive right from the server cabinet?
Data centers are big targets for criminals that seek private information from companies and their clients, so they should require the same – if not more – rigorous security measures given to online accounts. There are systems available that offer front door to server cabinet security. By taking advantage of these new, advanced systems, data centers can feel confident that their hardware will remain safe from prying hands.
Allow access to qualified personnel only
Unfortunately, one of the biggest threats to data center security could come from within. Employee theft is a common problem for all industries and data centers – with their trove of potentially lucrative information – are no exception. Data centers have a few ways to guard against internal burglary through biometrics.
One option is to install a fingerprint reader. These devices can be programmed to allow access only to specific individuals and may be used on the door to the building and on the server cabinet itself. Because fingerprints are completely unique, it would be virtually impossible to fool the lock, unlike pass-codes which can be uncovered or guessed.
Another way to shore up your data center's security is with a system that requires two people for entry like the Nexus Duo. This platform calls for two fingerprints to be applied simultaneously and on separate pads. This way, even if a trusted employee with security clearance is tempted to steal, a second individual would still need to collaborate with him or her.
Secure every aspect of the building
Another advantage of turning to biometric security system comes in its scalable technology that can protect not just the door but every vital access point. That means everything from the garage door to the hardware stack could require fingerprint ID.
One data center, ScaleMatrix, recently adopted a broad, biometric approach to its new, 50,000 square foot San Diego facility, according to Security Info Watch.
CEO Mark Ortenzi wanted to build a totally secure center, using surveillance equipment and security guards. But even then, authorized personnel can still get into the building with bad intentions.
"When physical access control stops at the front door, a person who has legitimate access can become a problem insider," Ortenzi told Security Info Watch. "When server cabinets are unsecured, all it takes is a thumb drive for data security to be compromised."
To be sure, he installed an access control system using fingerprint scanners at each entry point, both outside and inside the facility.
Another major data center, from Forsythe, is going to be ready for occupancy in 2015.
"After many years of listening to the needs of our clients and helping them build data centers and find co-location data center space, we made sure this data center facility has everything they have been asking us for," Forsythe vice president of data center development Steve Harris said in a press release.
That means adopting a total-facility biometric security system and offering personal, client-specific suites that provide privacy and security usually found in much smaller facilities.
These centers demonstrate the benefits of adopting a state-of-the-art security system that any data center will enjoy. And as more and more centers adopt them, others will need to keep up with the trend.
Find out how RSA achieved regulatory compliance with Digitus Biometrics by downloading our whitepaper here.