Access Control Systems are Essential for Data Centers
Data is an essential component of all modern businesses. Without it, most can barely function. Data is the collection and processing of information and can range from being online to customer details and the information used to deliver a specific product or service. Some businesses only process a comparatively small amount of data, while others collect and process huge amounts through in-house data centers. Whatever a company’s data processing capabilities may be, it is important to ensure that the information is protected from physical and digital threats. This article explains why data security is important and how proper access control can be used to secure data centers and the digital gold they contain.
Why Data Security is Important
If you think of data as a precious resource akin to gold and crude oil, then you know it needs to be protected. Just like any other precious commodity, it can be stolen and misused. What differentiates data from commodities, however, is that it can be repeatedly sold to several buyers, all of whom can use it as they please. This can range from “harmless” practices like targeted advertising to more nefarious applications like fraud and identity theft.
The value of information is derived from its exclusivity and scarcity. In economic terms, this means that being the sole proprietor of a specific data set (like contact details or biographical information) allows a company to use it to gain an advantage over competitors or to improve their products and services to be in line with those offered by their competitors. Having something that your competitors cannot gain is a nearly priceless benefit.
Consumers generally trust companies to handle their data and personal information responsibly. Proper data security through rigorous physical and digital access control can help prevent valuable information from being leaked, which will reduce the value of that data by making it widely available, along with losing consumer trust and making the company liable for potential damages. Data leaks can diminish consumer confidence and significantly ruin a company’s reputation, not to mention the effect of potential downtime in trying to fix it.
The Access Control Systems We Can Provide
Access control systems can provide a robust line of defence against intentional and accidental leaks. This includes both physical access control measures, like electrical security gates and CCTV monitoring, and digital measures, like biometric access control and authentication to limit accessibility to a select few individuals. Below is a list of the access control methods we can install to ensure your data centers are secure from most threats.
- Rack Access Control. The rack is the physical housing unit of all the equipment, such as the servers, cooling units, switches, and routers. This unit is a staple in data center design, and it can create a buffer between the equipment and unauthorised users. The systems we put in place require users to first authenticate themselves using the proper company credentials and then only make the relevant units accessible.
- Biometric Authentication. This includes fingerprint scanning, RFID card verification, and PIN restrictions. This means that companies will always be able to see who has accessed the system and when they did it. Even if a trespasser stole someone’s RFID card and acquired the appropriate PIN, they would still need to bypass the fingerprint scanner (a difficult feat in itself).
- Alarm Integration and CCTV Monitoring. All the monitoring and security measures can be integrated with the alarm system, which will immediately create alerts when there is a security breach or an emergency like a fire or electrical failure.
- Detailed Reports. See who accessed what equipment and when they did so. A detailed record is created every time someone accesses the system, which will allow you to streamline your reporting and detect any anomalies.
Contact us at CCI Technology Solutions if you want more information.
