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The Harmony of Security Design and Operations
Since Data Centers house the critical infrastructure that powers our digital world, their security is a primary requirement for the success of many of today’s organizations. Security in the context of a Data Center is not just firewalls and encryption – the security of today’s most vital asset (data) cannot exist solely within the cyber realm. Rather, security has always been like spokes on a wheel: cyber, physical, electronics, and operational elements working together to drive forward a holistic security program.
Our Data Center and Critical Infrastructure specialists work with 8 of the top 13 global Data Centers to provide guidance on the development of security programs, staffing, operations, and design, ensuring a complete security framework. Through this work, we understand the critical importance of executing a comprehensive security design, as it lays the foundation for building a robust and complete security program.
Design Decisions and Their Implications
Every design decision, when developing a Data Center, from the location of the facility to the materials used in construction, has profound implications for security. Beyond natural threats, one must also consider the potential for human-caused disruptions (accidental or otherwise). The physical structure of the Data Center and the materials used in its construction must be resilient and able to withstand both natural and man-made catastrophes. The design of controlled entry points, perimeter intrusion detection, video surveillance, and electronic security components play key roles in the design of a Data Center’s security program. However, design already begins to overlap with operations, as day-to-day security protocols implemented by the operations team are deeply influenced by the physical layout, construction of the facility, site landscaping, and systems placement / configuration. A well-designed Data Center minimizes the risk of unauthorized access through a meticulous zoning strategy. Sensitive areas are carefully located at the heart of the facility, surrounded by layers of less critical zones. This design impacts future operations considering how security personnel, clients and Data Center operations will move throughout the facility. The integration of advanced surveillance systems, strategically placed to cover every inch of the facility, is critical but the designer must consider how these systems will be used and what information they will provide.
The Role of Operations in Security
The most sophisticated design is only as strong as the operations plan that will utilize it. The human element cannot be underestimated in the security equation. Operational protocols must be meticulously crafted and rigorously enforced. Personnel must be trained not just in their specific roles, but also in security awareness. They should be able to recognize and respond to potential threats, whether it be an unauthorized person trying to gain access, a suspicious package, or a cyber threat that could be exploited through physical means. Regular drills and simulations help in keeping the team sharp, ensuring that in the event of an actual incident, responses are swift and effective.
Incident Response Planning
Developing and layering a rational incident response plan during design allows for the development of a complete program that complements and builds upon itself from concept to operation. Considering a wide range of scenarios from natural disasters to coordinated cyber-attacks, a scenario development and response strategy should be developed and considered during site layout, space programming, and countermeasure selection and placement. This plan is a living, breathing document dependent upon regular updates to account for new threats and changing circumstances, and the design of physical, electronic, and cyber elements must be aware of this. Construction should only happen once, but operations go on forever. It is through operations that the design elements are put to the test, and it is only through continuous vigilance and adaptation that a Data Center can remain secure.
Testing and Utilizing Design Elements
While the design may dictate the physical placement of protective elements like barriers and checkpoints, it is during operation that these countermeasures are utilized and tested. The design provides the tools and lays the foundation for what security operators will have available to them. If something is omitted during design, at least initially, the security operation can be hindered from day one. Retrofitting or late modifications result in additional costs, inconsistent fixes, and operational workarounds that create vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Resilience in Design and Operations
At the intersection of design and operations lies the concept of resilience. A truly secure Data Center is not just one that can prevent attacks but one that can withstand and recover from them. This resilience must be built into the design, with considerations for both physical and digital threats. For instance, the design might include seismic bracing to protect against earthquakes or fire suppression systems that can extinguish a blaze without damaging sensitive equipment. But resilience also depends on the ability of the operations team to respond effectively to incidents, maintaining continuity of service even in the face of an active threat environment.
Integration of Design and Operations
Design and operations cannot exist each in their own silo. A well-designed Data Denter with poor operational protocols is a fortress with open gates, while a poorly designed facility with excellent operations is a house of cards, ready to topple at the first sign of trouble. The integration of these two aspects is what creates a secure, resilient environment capable of protecting the valuable data within. This interdependency is also evident in the way that design and operations must evolve together. As new threats emerge, the design of Data Centers must adapt, incorporating new systems, technologies, and strategies to counteract them. Likewise, operational protocols must evolve to address these changes, ensuring that the human element remains a strong link in the security chain. This continuous evolution is the hallmark of a secure facility, one that is not only prepared for the threats of today but also for those of tomorrow. The security of a Data Center is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires the seamless integration of design and operations. Each informs and supports the other, creating a secure environment that is more than the sum of its parts. Whether it’s through the selection of a secure location, the use of resilient materials, the implementation of strict access controls, or the continuous monitoring and adaptation of operational protocols, every aspect of a Data Center’s design and operations plays a critical role in the success of its security program.
Ensuring Data Center Security: Building Your Fortress
To safeguard your data and ensure the continued success of your business, it’s imperative to consider both design and operations when evaluating Data Center security. Don’t leave anything to chance—reach out for expert consulting services to ensure that your Data Center is as secure and resilient as it can possibly be.
John Bekisz PE, PSP
Vice President, Data Center & Critical Infrastructure Practice
John Bekisz, Jr., PE, PSP is the Vice President, Data Center & Critical Infrastructure Practice. Mr. Bekisz has experience in security design engineering, consulting, and system integrating.
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