Data centers must have physical and environmental security to prevent physical attacks, including natural disasters. Natural disasters have crippling effects on data centers. Flooding halted generators and diesel pumps and caused connectivity to disappear from at least eight New York data centers. As a result, services affecting millions of users were severely disrupted. Data centers don’t seem to be learning from experience and should look to extend their physical security to their utilities, which should be redundant.
SIEM provides visibility into a data center’s security posture
A data center security posture is largely determined by software. Hacking, malware, and spyware are common threats that compromise a data center. A security information and event management (SIEM) solution provide real-time visibility into a data center’s security posture, metrics, remediation capabilities, and alerts. With the rise of cloud computing, visibility into data flows is more important than ever. Additionally, malware can hide in legitimate traffic, compromising a data center’s security posture.
The SIEM software has undergone several changes over the years, though its core components remain the same. As the field continues to evolve, innovative technologies have emerged, creating new security and risk reduction approaches. Moreover, some SIEM vendors have launched new product features called “next-generation SIEM solutions.”
Access control lists
Access control lists in a data center can protect sensitive information by filtering network traffic. Unlike firewalls, access control lists restrict IP addresses and types of traffic. As a result, it can prevent network flooding and minimize the risk of DoS attacks. In addition, advanced access control lists can control traffic through type of service, internet protocol precedence, and differentiated services code point priority. These features are beneficial for securing data centers from outside intrusion.
The best way to implement ACLs is to create a hierarchy of rules that are logically organized and placed at the top of the list. It is also important to document these rules, as the first one triggers another. This way, you can see which packets are allowed or denied. In addition, you can place the most likely match statements at the top of the list, reducing processing time and resources.
Segmentation reduces the scope of an attack.
When using network segmentation, you can buy yourself a few more minutes in the middle of an attack. Since segmented networks are easier to secure, attackers cannot easily move around the network. Plus, you can minimize local traffic and improve performance. Additionally, you can easily repair any network errors by quickly isolating a network segment. But, segmentation can be tricky. Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly.
First, segmentation limits the scope of an attack. By restricting hackers to one subnet, they are less likely to compromise the entire system. Second, segmenting your network allows you to upgrade security controls quickly. Additionally, segmentation can reduce network congestion. By separating sensitive data from non-sensitive data, segmentation reduces the cost and time of audit processes. Finally, it can help your company’s security measures meet the ISO 27001 standards.
Multi-factor authentication
Adding multiple factors to the authentication process can make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to a network. This technology helps prevent common attacks, such as credential stuffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. It also reduces the need for security guards at access points, which results in reduced operational costs. These two security measures go hand-in-hand, but multi-factor authentication is the best solution for data centers.
Many companies are installing a multi-factor authentication system to protect their data centers. These systems are becoming increasingly common, thanks to the increasing demand for secure data center solutions. They include key card access, biometric scanners, and Dual Authentication. In addition, many data centers are also implementing multi-access controls. This way, employees can quickly and easily identify the intruder if a data center is breached.
Provisioning of redundant utility sources
Physical security is paramount to the success of any data center, and it should include redundant utilities, including primary power and water. Data centers should have multi-layer security, including gated access, locking cabinet doors, and redundant power feeds from multiple substations. Redundant water feeds are also important. Optimal data centers should offer multiple carriers and dual entrances for each one. Similarly, if power outages are expected, utilities must be available on two separate sides of the building.
While the benefits of redundancy are clear, a data center should consider several other factors when deciding on its architecture. While N+1 architecture is a good standard, data centers should be designed to have more than one backup power source. Providing backup power is essential to prevent costly downtime and maximize uptime. In a power outage, redundancy can prevent outages, allowing a company to protect its data and operations during downtime.
