Reasons to focus on network-related security in your data center are already clear, but a threat to data centers definitely exists through physical means as well as network-based hackers, and to achieve premium security all these threats must be addressed sufficiently.

According to a security firm which tests data centers' resistance to physical assailants, it's thanks to drop ceilings and raised floors that people who want to get into a data center and have prior knowledge of how data centers are laid out don't have too much trouble finding their way in.  Lock-picking is an age-old technique still popular today, and it enables intruders to enter facilities and potentially find their way into critical areas.

Posing as a valid visitor is another successful trick.  Someone who seems to have a specific purpose entering, like a delivery person, is less likely to be questioned by staff.

There are ways to address these dangers - like putting up sheetrock in raised floor gaps, or using advanced types of locks.  It's essential to have a closely-watched and thoroughly-prepared system for entry into a facility.  These solutions still leave room for trouble, but definitely help.

See the article at Dark Reading for more, and contact u s to work out how to plan or improve your facility's physical security.

-Elizabeth English

photo by subcircle under flickr creative commons license

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