The security of a CPD and the importance of doors

Security in a CPD should be planned from the moment it is decided to build a Data Center, and keep it up to date in the future. To properly plan the security in the CPDs, factors such as what hardware will you use, what type of data will be stored or processed in the CPD, the physical location, among others are analyzed.

The security measures of a CPD can be grouped as follows

• Multi-level security

It’s about designing multiple levels of access, which is like a safe inside another safe, which reduces the risk of physical intrusion and possible environmental incidents. It's also a way to create access areas to only allow authorized people to access each of the zones.

• Access control

Combined biometric systems (eg iris, fingerprint) allow you to add a layer of security in case of physical theft of the access key, either from RFID keys or physical keys, also allow you to keep a better record of who has accessed at each level of the CPD.

• CCTV cameras

Usually located around the perimeter and inside the CPD, they allow you to maintain a visual control of the entire CPD 24 hours a day, simplifying the control of each level of the Data Center and allowing you to have a visual record in case of an incident, either of unauthorized access or incidents such as a fire.

• Fire detection and extinguishing

Thanks to the installation of CCTV and systems such as those of VESDA allow to have a very fast detection of fires, once detected the location, gases of type INERGEN can be used in order to stop the fire, and at the same time reduce possible damages of the CPD hardware.

• The doors

Finally, the doors are one of the essential points, they are responsible for limiting the entry or exit of a person. It is very important to correctly install a door and choose the appropriate type for each of the different sectors of the CPD.
It is also recommended to watch this SHA2017 talk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4HIDJ-5lJo), which teaches a series of Physical Penetration Testing performed on different models and types of doors.

Authors: Ferran Montoliu i Joan Farràs