Ways to Secure Data Centres

Data Centre Security- 11 Ways To Secure Data Centres 

In today’s world the most valuable assets is data. Together with the data centres that hold and process it, they underpin almost all facets of modern life. This makes data centres an attractive target for threat actors, due to the large and diverse amount of information that supports our national infrastructure and businesses.

The term data centre security conjures images of lines of code, hackers and firewalls. However, there is a huge requirement for physical security within a data centre too.

Data centres are used to house computer systems. They often include backup data, core data, replicated data and on the whole, are huge part of an organisation’s Disaster Recovery Strategy.

In a world where technology impacts many industries, data centres are crucial for businesses and therefore data centres security is a hot topic. Not only should data be protected from potential cyber-attacks, the physical building should be secure.

The security and resilience of your data and the infrastructure beneath it are therefore critical. High-profile data breaches and disruption to services are frequently reported, with each incident, causing operators and data owners potentially huge financial losses in regulatory fines, loss of sensitive IP, downtime, post-incident recovery, security improvements, and perhaps most valuably of all, reputation.

Cyber intrusion methodology evolves constantly, and sophisticated attackers have a strong incentive to defeat the defences you put in place. It should be assumed that at some point your defences will be breached and therefore it is also important to be able to respond proactively by detecting attacks and having measures in place to minimise the impact of any cyber security incidents.

Cyber security focuses on the prevention of data theft or destruction by malicious attacks; however, this is not enough to ensure your data centre remains safe. The building also has to be protected from physical attacks.

Here, we discuss 11 ways you can physically secure data centres.

1. Use Crash Barriers

Stop unauthorised vehicle entry with the installation of road blockers. These have been designed specifically to prevent the threat of potential intruders or terrorist attacks in high-security areas. Varying in height, these road blockers will restrict the entry of vehicles.

2. Use Bollards

Avoid anything impacting and colliding into the building by installing bollards. Install permanent bollards around the building entrances. Alternatively, you could install adjustable bollards that can be lowered to allow access to authorized vehicles.

3. Limit Entry Points

Where possible, try and limit the possible entry points to only one door. If you require additional fire doors, ensure these extra doors are exit only. Limit exterior door handles to prevent any re-entry.

4. Use Security Cameras

Surveillance cameras should be installed throughout the perimeter of the data centre. Consider installing adequate CCTV signage as this can be a physical deterrent.

5. Hire On-Site Security

Threats can happen at any time. You may consider an additional layer of physical security by hiring on-site staff. Having someone monitoring the site acts as a strong deterrent to intruders and can raise the alarm if they spot any potential issues.

6. Build The Data Centre In The Best Location

Plan the best location for your data centre. If possible, choose a location away from the company’s head office or headquarters.

Ensure the data centre is set back from the main road. Consider using landscaping to help form additional protection as trees can help obscure the building from passers-by. Avoid building data centres in locations that are prone to natural disasters such as in a flood area or an area prone to earthquakes or fires.

7. Plan The Data Centre Carefully

When you design a data centre, avoid unnecessary windows. Build walls that are extremely thick as they work an effective barrier as well as improving thermal insulation.

8. Embrace Biometric Technology

Biometric technology is increasingly popular and is now part of our every day lives. Install biometric identification systems in the building to control access. This is often a fingerprint recognition device. In addition to biometric technology, ensure multi-factor authentication is in place. This method utilises two or more authentication methods. For example, someone may use their fingerprint but will still need to type in a pin code or show an access card.

9. Install Perimeter fencing

Data Centres have access to unprecedented levels of data. It is important to protect data from digital hackers, but the data also needs to be protected in the physical sense. Therefore, security-rated fencing is of the utmost importance for these buildings and keeping data secure. As a physical security breach has the potential risk just like a digital attack would.

Perimeter security is also vital. Have strong fencing around your entire site. Ensure the gates and barriers are placed where surveillance equipment, a guard, or preferably both are in place.

This is why, at SSA INTEGRATE, we understand how vital data centre fencing is in the wider security strategy of sites. The ultimate goal is to detect potential threats early on and then allow enough time to intercept a risk or threat.

10. Use Access Control Equipment

Data centres should adopt a Zero Trust Network. This means that no one is trusted until they can prove who they are. Access control equipment is an important element of implementing this.

While it may seem simple, access lists should also be provided to ensure that only approved individuals can access data centre. Ensure these lists are kept up to date and are stored securely.

11. Install a Sophisticated Alarm System

Alarm systems are costly. However, these costs are outweighed by the potential benefits. Some systems are linked to local police stations or security companies. Others are silent, but trigger alerts to key staff. Whatever the system you choose, it will bring peace of mind.

People value physical security. They trust places that are secure when they can actually see forms of security such as gates, barriers and alarm systems.

Many companies may forget about the physical form of security when it comes to data centres as they are concentrating on the risk of cyber threats. Although cybersecurity is vital and needs to be as sophisticated as possible, teaming this up with physical security can ensure your data centre is as secure as it can be.

As data centres evolve in the future, the need for physical measures will remain vital. However, physical security measures may also evolve. Having a multi-layer approach that considers both physical and cyber elements will ensure the best protection.

Safe & Secure India – Building & Home Security

Safe & Secure India – Building & Home Security

Technology is the driving force behind the transformation we can see all around us. Every day, elements of our personal and business lives are touched by smart solutions in some shape or form and innovators are constantly pioneering new ideas to improve the way we live. Today we have smartphones, smart TVs, smart meters, smart cars and now smart cities.

Technology has become an integral part of big infrastructure projects as it can play a pivotal role in addressing many issues.

What exactly is a smart city? It means some body can put less effort to do more. Today the Aadhaar usage is expanding and the police force is spending a lot time in identifying people when a crime is committed. Since the government is the biggest agency, it has everything including your birth certificate, educational certificates and all other relevant data which can be put in one place to identify criminals. Today, government departments are spending crores of rupees in data collection. If we can integrate all of it, we can do a lot more.

Smart Services, such as intelligent transportation, connected health care, public safety and security, emergency services, waste management and smart grid metering can be connected to drive efficiency and real-time intelligence.

Smart cities should have projects like integration of public sector & Pvt Sector buildings, Hospitals, School & University, and Molls etc. Install cameras in individual houses, these are ways to ensure public safety.

Building Security

The design and construction of secure buildings (minimal danger or risk of harm) continues to be the primary goal for owners, architects, engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders. 

Automated building security solutions protect public buildings, industrial facilities, critical infrastructures, private homes or material assets from vandalism, theft, terrorism, intrusion, or where necessary, unlawful escape. Yet, the protection offered by mechanical measures and guards is often not sufficient. SICK electronic sensor-based protective devices complement these measures and are suitable for stationary, portable, or mobile applications. In order to extend response times, protection is provided in a concentric manner: from perimeter protection and monitoring of the building exterior and interior, as well as object monitoring.

Security in-charge & Facilities Managers have an incredibly tough job of ensuring that their company’s facility and any buildings or spaces comply with local legislation and regulations. Building indicate Commercial / Residential, Private home, critical infrastructures, University’s or Schools, Hospital, Multiplex, Molls etc.

Here are some Common Layered in building Security Concept to consider to maintain a secure building:

Outer Protection Layer – e.g., natural or man-made barriers at property line

Middle Protection Layer – e.g., exterior of building

Inner Protection Layer – e.g., doors / Entry exit point within building

The protective measures in the security building design are intended to provide one or more of these basic functions:

Deter (access or attack by an active threat) e.g. CCTV, Security, Access Control, Intrusion sensor

Detect (presence of hazard or threat) e.g. CCTV, Security, Access Control

Prevent (hazard condition or attempt by threat) e.g., CCTV, Security

Delay (access or attack action) e.g. Security, Access or Entrance Control

Assess (situation) e.g. Security, Access Control

Respond (by denying access, defending or protecting assets) e.g. Central Station Monitoring / Integration

Now we discussed about indicative pin point system:

Video Surveillance

As a security expert I observed maximum place of building has very poor condition in security component. Dirty CCTV Camera with NVR/DVR, cable exposed of camera. The system transmits video signals within a closed loop by means of fiber-optic or coaxial cable, or by microwave wireless, forming a complete and independent system, from camera to image display and to the recording unit. Because security monitoring is typically implemented in harsh environments, you need to protect against damage from adverse events, such as surges and short-circuit faults in the power supply. That component is not under Planned Maintenance scheme.  BSIA Form 120 Code of practice for the maintenance of CCTV systems. BS EN 50132-7 states that “CCTV systems should be maintained in accordance with the schedule supplied by the system designer or supplier”. But no doughs some of place already used 4K camera. Video analytics maximum issue / theft has been solve.

Access Control

An access system comprises an access controller, card reader, electric control lock, transmission components and other parts. The access system you design is meant to secure the safety of personnel and property and should, therefore, be highly reliable and able to withstand electromagnetic interference (EMI), lightning, and other events that can harm the system. Someone maintain NSI Code of Practice for Design, Installation and Maintenance of Access Control Systems - NCP 109. NCP 109, comply with BS EN 50133-1:1997 and BS EN 50133-7:1999. However BS EN 50133 has not been adopted widely due to lack of available equipment. Road blocker, Bollard, Tyer killer need to be used during Entry of building.

Parking Management

Parking Security is Essentials for a building. If a parking area is dirty, has a poor layout, or looks unsafe, clients and visitors develop a negative image for that business. A poorly maintained lot or garage suggests it will be easier to commit a crime because no one from management will catch unwanted activity. In garages, glass elements, stairwell rails, signage, cleaning for lighting fixtures and elevator interiors should receive periodic cleanings as well.

Use an surveillance eye to monitor parking spaces, entrances, and narrow areas such as stairwells and corridors. Not only can surveillance catch a crime in progress, but documentation of a vehicle accident, assault, or even a slip-and-fall incident can be valuable. Some Easy-to-use App for both iPhone and Android devices that enables drivers to easily locate vacant parking spaces in real time. Happier drivers, better traffic flow, less congestion & pollution and maximum use of parking spaces.

In addition to cameras placed within the garage footprint for safety, several 360-degree pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) units were installed on the top of the exterior stair towers. Not only does parking management have access to the feeds at will, but the external video feed is shared with the police department. Smart Parking’s RFID solutions enable you to manage permit parking easily.  Permit holders are happier as more space becomes available through improved enforcement and fact-based planning.  A flexible system for changing needs.

Access control in parking areas addresses two goals – the safe and efficient flow of vehicle traffic and generating a record of parking users. Use passive security measures like fences, bollards, and road blocker to outline the parking area and direct users to the proper entrances.

Elevator Security

Elevators take people to and from every floor in a high-rise building. Owners and managers used to station security officers in lobbies to sign visitors in and out. After 9/11, many buildings elected to monitor elevator access for all building occupants. Technology like optical turnstiles, proximity cards, and video surveillance can ensure only authorized individuals board your elevators. Visitors must card in too. Most Class-A high rise buildings are moving to online / Offline visitor management systems.

Lighting Control

It is quite often now, that you hear LED bulbs are much more efficient than other technologies. According to a study by Ministry of Environment and Forest in India, lighting constitutes of roughly 30 % of the total electricity bill. Let us understand the different type of bulbs that are used and how we can reduce the total energy consumption. Basically, LEDs are just tiny light bulbs that fit easily into an electrical circuit.  They are illuminated solely by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material, and they last just as long as a standard transistor.  Although the initial cost of LED is usually higher, they give more of a return during their lifetime because of how energy efficient they are. As of 2016, LEDs use only about 10% of the energy an incandescent lamp requires. EN 15232 is Energy performance of buildings – Impact of Building Automation, Controls and Building Management standard. BS EN 15232-2012 is just one of many regulations, laws and directives that impact upon buildings. The global aims of reducing energy usage are set out in the Kyoto agreement. Others include The Buildings Act 1984; The Building Regulations and its reviews (2006, 2010, 2013 and 2016); The Approved Documents of the Building Regulations (Part L – Conservation of Fuel 2010, Part F – Ventilation 2010, Part G – Sanitation/Hot Water 2010, Part J – Combustion Appliance 2010)

Occupant Emergency Plan

Occupant emergency plans are an integral part of an emergency management program. Occupant Emergency Plans should be developed for building Operations staff and occupants to be able to respond to all forms of attacks and threats. Properly developed plans can reduce the risk to personnel, property, and other assets while minimizing work disruption during and immediately following an emergency.

BMS & Integration

In a intelligent building its required for Reduce Operational Costs, Reduce Maintenance Costs    and   Increase Operational Efficiency and Create a Safe and Quality Building Environment. All security equipment controlling from this BMS room. Some qualitative returns of BMS are

1.      Extended equipment Life & minimum Downtime

2.      Effective Use of manpower for other tasks

3.      Faster and Better responsiveness to Occupant needs and trouble conditions

4.     Better management of the building facilities through use of reports, history data and alarm management functions, etc.

5.      Streamlined operations

6.      Flexibility of easily meeting future changing needs of the building; size, layout, etc.

All the sensors and devices are designated routing rules & map integrated and represented by fully functional workflows that the icons on the map. The can be applied in various system will gather, categorize emergency situations and display the alarms in real time Analyze React Along with the processes, the Based on the scenario and event log module will register workflow set, the system will every task performed by the propose a response and the operator to form an audit trail field force can execute it.

Building Information Modeling

Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be a useful tool for building security. For example, intelligent objects in 3D provide better understanding of vulnerabilities and better correlation with other design aspects like building and site access, location and types of doors and windows, and structural design characteristics for seismic versus blast design.

Security guards

Security guards do have many advantages, but there are also some disadvantages. Guards cannot see everywhere at once — if they are in one location, they cannot see other places on your site. They can also be attacked by a thief or criminal who enters your site, leaving them unable to alert authorities.

Many businesses will choose to utilize both a guard service and a video surveillance solution. This popular approach has many benefits:

1.      Significant savings vs. employing a full guard force at all times

2.      Cameras can record at night in low light situations, giving you a better view than a guard

3.      Cameras can see further/wider than a guard

4.      Guards to monitor cameras live to see all entrances to a building

5.      Remote monitoring services to supplement when a guard isn't available

Home Security

If you have a own home, then make it as smart Home. Home owner can design his/her hsmart home in below manner. Make your smart phone/devices to make your home ‘sweet home’ with safety, security, savings and convenience at your finger touch. Control your home from anywhere in the world through internet. Doesn’t require any Static IP to do this, we have our specialized cloud servers to support you this with the best of the performance and experience for the remote controlling and monitoring.

The best part of the Smart Home is about its intelligence to behave like human, think like a human based on the specific situation or scenario. Various kinds of sensors are available for Lighting ON/OFF or to run a prescheduled Scene or to alert you. Remote Access through SMS & Telephone and Separate multiple Lines LCD Remote Key Pad.

Video Surveillance

Intelligent Video Surveillance need to be install which is operate from his/her Smart Phone apps. Many of camera OEM already have this facility, Owner / Authorized person need to use this feather. If you own an Android smartphone and want to enjoy the benefits of mobile security camera monitoring, you’ve come to the right place. Many of today’s most trusted manufacturers of IP security cameras, NVRs, and video management software offer Android IP camera apps for safe and reliable monitoring. VideoSurveillance.com has provided a list of Android security camera apps offered by manufacturers, and the high-end features available on each. Many IP camera and NVR manufacturers have unveiled top-of-the-line mobile monitoring apps compatible with the iPhone and iPad.

Intrusion Alarm

Many of Intrusion OEM already have this facility, Owner / Authorized person need to use this feather. The security measures include Sensors like Door/Window Sensors, Glass Break detection Sensors are for safety reasons like Intrusion Alarm and detection system. Other Safety sensors include Smoke Sensors, Gas Leakage Sensors, Flood Sensors, Shock Sensors, Vibration Sensors, Water Sensors, PIR or Motion Sensors can be used for safety or convenience reason. Special reason Sensors include Co2 – Carbon Dioxide Sensors and Temperature Sensors, Remote Monitoring and creating an Alert zone for a safe and secure home. BS 8473:2006 is Code of Practice for intruder and hold-up alarms – Management of false alarms.

Single Smart Room Automation

Automation need to be experienced for you to get that WOW feeling. In a single room we can provide the Automation experience that include Controlling Lights, Lights Dimming, Fan or A/C Control, TV, Audio & Video, Curtain Control and many more as your need basis, we shall offer the sensors to make the Automation more meaningful. Same as multiroom thought.

Smart Living Room

Living Room is where the family come together. Having a good ambience based on the scenes shall add the beauty as you deserve. Controlling Lighting, Dimming features, TV, Audio & Video, Curtain Control all makes your Living Room a smart room.

Smart Kitchen

Nowadays Kitchen has become the beautiful place in most of the homes… this is not just because of the food, it is because the Home Maker spends most of her/his time. Smart kitchen gives you all the automation features integrated that include Lighting, Dimming, Fan or A/C Control, TV Integration, Audio or Video Integration, Video Door Phone Monitor, and many more.

Smart Bath Room 

Home Automation features a bathroom which shall give you a different ambience every time you get in there. OEM provide controller for LEDs or bulbs which can be pre-programmed. Scenes for Bathroom can be created based on your needs with music & video integration. The smart bathroom doesn’t need switch nor does you to tell it turn ON the lights when you are IN, it happen just with your presence.

Smart Lighting

Automation is all about giving the ambience of your home to suit your mood. This is possible with the lighting dimming option. This shall not only give you the required ambience in the room but also saves the energy by using the lighting as required basis.

Smart Curtain Control

Imagine the curtain slightly goes up or slides side by early morning at 6:30 am or as scheduled by you, to allow the sun rays to enter your bed room, all this is to wake you up for an another happy day!. Curtain control through is the best of Smart Home feature to give you all the convenience that you look for. Curtain control operates on various scenarios like day light harvesting, to suit the lighting scene that you have created for Movie Time or Brighter day.

Motorization Smart Home

Motorization of various types include Swing Gate Automation, Sliding Gate Automation, Rolling Door Automation, Garage Door Automation, Boom Barriers Automation and Retractable Gates Automation.

This motorization can be operated through various ways that include Smart Phone Devices, On an Handheld Remote, GPS based and based on various sensors. Also the motorization can be scheduled needs.

Smart energy management.

The vision for the solar-powered smart home is compelling. By combining rooftop PV with learning thermostats, web-connected appliances, energy monitoring software and battery storage, homeowners will soon have unprecedented control over their energy use.

Smart meters provide the Smart Grid interface between you and your energy provider. Installed in place of your old, mechanical meter, these meters operate digitally, and allow for automated and complex transfers of information between your home and your energy provider. For instance, smart meters will deliver signals from your energy provider that can help you cut your energy costs. Smart meters also provide utilities with greater information about how much electricity is being used throughout their service areas.

Solar app can help you monitor your photovoltaic solar system no matter the size – whether solar panels are on your home’s roof or powering your entire building. You can see all the data live, if you’re sitting in your living room or even if you’re escaping winter snow on a sunny beach halfway across the world. Not only do you get to access this info from your phone or tablet.

Smart Emergency Response

A medical alarm system is a way to get help at the touch of a button. Our system will allow you to continue to lead a safe and independent lifestyle in your home.

By pushing the personal emergency response system button, or the emergency button on the Care Gard unit, the system causes the unit to dial out on the telephone line and make voice-to-voice contact with our monitoring station personnel. The monitoring staff will ask if everything is okay. If you can’t answer or answer that you are not okay they will dispatch a friend or next-door neighbor who you have listed as a willing responder. If they are unable to reach any of your responders, an ambulance will be called.

Smartwatch for Kids

There are a number of GPS trackers on the market that would allow parents to keep an eye on the whereabouts of their children. Paired with the clean user interface of the Android and iOS app, we can see this appealing to concerned parents. 

India is on its way to develop its first ‘100 Smart Cities’. The ambitious project has been under the spotlight ever since

the Narendra Modi government announced its vision of developing smart cities for India, and investing $1.2 billion to create them. The need to recast the urban landscape via smart cities arose with the increasing pace of migration that India witnessed in the past few years.

IFSY 2016 at Kolkata

IFSY 2016 at Kolkata