Data Center + Critical Infrastructure Security

Based on a threat, vulnerability, and risk assessment (TVRA) and your specific operational requirements, we create a comprehensive set of physical and technical security standards for use at all your data center facilities. These standards define the minimum acceptable level of security for various assets, zones, and operations within your data center. We translate the established security standards into a detailed Basis of Design (BOD) document. The BOD serves as a blueprint for all future security system installations and upgrades for use by all relevant trades and disciplines.

Effective risk management is fundamental to the continuity and resilience of data centers and critical infrastructure. Our DCCI practice conducts comprehensive risk assessments, identifying potential threats (e.g., natural disasters, terrorism, insider threats, organized crime) and vulnerabilities, assesses potential impacts on operations, and develops risk mitigation strategies. This aids in initial master planning, site selection, site orientation, and early threat identification. Mitigating any vulnerabilities that may be inherent to the selected data center site or locale ensures that no matter what your mission is, resilience and reliability are adopted early. We work closely with clients to prioritize risks, allocate resources effectively, and implement controls to reduce the likelihood and severity of adverse events.

Our team specializes in security and low voltage engineering, collaborating closely with clients, architects, and construction teams to design customized solutions that align with specific requirements and operational constraints. Leveraging our extensive experience, we define and design physical and technical security systems that are both effective and efficient. This includes secure access control systems (biometrics, smart cards, multi-factor authentication), state-of-the-art video surveillance and analytics, intrusion detection systems, perimeter security measures such as fencing, bollards, and hostile vehicle mitigation, as well as hardened construction materials for enhanced protection. Additionally, our expertise extends to utility and landscaping features, audio-visual systems, structured cabling, network engineering design, mass notification and public address systems, and fire life safety. All of our designs are thoughtfully integrated with IT and network security considerations to create a unified, resilient defense for data centers and critical infrastructure facilities.

In the digital age, cyber threats pose a significant risk to data centers and critical infrastructure. Data centers are prime targets for cyberattacks, including ransomware, DDoS attacks, and data breaches, due to the vast amounts of sensitive data they house. Evolving threats, particularly Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), are becoming more sophisticated, aiming to infiltrate systems, remain undetected, and steal data or disrupt operations. The expanding attack surface includes vulnerabilities in hardware, software, cloud architectures, hybrid cloud environments, and software-defined networks. Our experts specialize in identifying and mitigating cybersecurity vulnerabilities, conducting thorough assessments of digital infrastructure and designing robust protection systems. By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, we help mitigate the risk of data breaches, cyber-attacks, and operational disruptions.

Whether malicious or negligent, insiders pose a significant risk as they have legitimate access to an enclosed and seemingly protected system. In an age of remote work and distributed teams, monitoring and managing access is amplified. That insiders have legitimate access to a system makes insider threats that much harder to detect and prevent. Constant vigilance is required, with ever-changing security measures taken.

Data centers rely on third-party vendors for components, software, and services. As such, the security of the supply chain is critical, both upstream and downstream. Attackers have increasingly been targeting supply chains to introduce vulnerabilities before systems reach the data center. Managing and verifying the security posture of all components, including open-source software and third-party cloud services, is an increasingly complex tasks that requires integration between Guidepost and our clients to help anticipate or resolve any issues found.