Investing in protecting the data center is of critical interest to business managers around the world. A Ponemon survey showed that a large amount of data center breaches are done from the inside and that means physical security is lax, at best. Staunch access control is a key component for data center security.
Biometric technology to the rescue
Keeping unauthorized personnel out of the data center is a critical concern for security and management staff and biometric security is a sound and proven technology to employ. One of the best means of access control is through fingerprint scanning technology. This cutting-edge security measure is unique and unduplicable. It uses a persons's fingerprints to create an access template for that employee.
Keeping unauthorized people out of secure areas
in order to maintain strict data center security, a fingerprint scanner is placed outside the physical entrance to the facility. The template of employee fingerprints are programmed into the system and every employee must use a fingerprint reader to gain access. No match? No access and the security teams would then move in. The biometric security system is efficient, quick and cost-effective.
Why biometrics over traditional security protocols?
If traditional security like keys and passcards have worked in the past why make the switch to biometrics? Keys can get lost and passcards stolen or duplicated. Biometric technology uses software to identify unique aspects of each employee. This data is then parsed and made into a partial fingerprint. Like a snowflake, each individual's fingerprint is its own and can't be replicated. By utilizing this technology, company management and security have a virtually foolproof protective zone around the data center. An article at GovTech identifies the passcard and password problems that consumers face. For data center security managers those problems can mean the difference between life and death for the company.
Protecting proprietary data is a huge concern for companies with new federal and state regulations popping-up almost every day. By adapting biometric access control a company can assure regulators and its own management team that no unauthorized personnel are entering the data center or other secure areas where the server cabinets are kept. Having a fingerprint reader at the door to the facility lets everyone know that upper management has taken the necessary precautions to secure the data the business is required to by law. It also indicates strong and active security and works as a deterrent for those seeking to do damage or access files.
Supplementing the fingerprint scanning technology with mantraps is something many business are opting for. According to a Data Centers report, having a back-up or adjunct security method in place is very advantageous. Many security professionals advise a multi-layered approach to protecting physical and intellectual interests as a way to thwart even the most determined miscreant. Having visible security, guards, vehicles and cameras are all excellent means of adjunct security and offer reassurance to employees, as well.
However, top security comes with a cost and companies, oft-times, have to balance the ideal security regimen with what the budget holds for that department. Fingerprint scanning and biometric security offer the first and most tangible layer of security that is virtually impenetrable and cost effective. Then the choice becomes with what technology (ies) will best support the biometric technology in place.
For the best protection possible at the data center, the rapidly developing biometric security software available on the market today holds the answer that all company executives have been searching for to stay in compliance and protect private data from prying eyes.
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