Comprehensive access control is critical to data centre security.
In today’s digital age, data is big business. Cloud storage is rising exponentially – in 2023, 60% of corporate data was stored in the cloud. With this increasing adoption of digital data storage, ensuring the security of data centres is paramount. Security threats have become increasingly sophisticated, and the focus on cybersecurity has intensified.
However, eliminating physical risks to data center security remains critical to protecting data. Robust physical security measures help safeguard against unauthorised access, data breaches, and other physical threats that can compromise the integrity of the sensitive data being stored.
Is access control crucial for data center security?
Comprehensive access control is critical to data center security. But data centre operators face several unique challenges, and the right solutions must incorporate tailored features to deliver adequate protection and enduring peace of mind:
1. Security and safety
Granting and revoking user access rights in a timely and accurate manner is crucial for securing data centres. However, this process can be cumbersome and error-prone, leading to potential security gaps after employees leave or change roles.
Additionally, system administrators must manage credentials such as passwords, access cards, biometric data, and cryptographic keys according to international best practices to prevent unauthorised access. Weak or shared passwords, lost keycards, and other credential management issues can compromise security.
2. Accessibility
Relying on a single access mechanism or authentication method creates weak spots in the access control system that act as single points of failure. Effective solutions allow administrators to iImplement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and redundant access management measures to mitigate this risk.
3. Tracking and monitoring
Employees and contractors pose a significant risk to data centre security, as authorised users with legitimate access can misuse their privileges. Monitoring user activities, implementing least-privilege principles, and conducting regular access reviews can reduce the possibility of insider threats.
4. Remote functionality
With the growing popularity of remote work and cloud-based services, enabling secure remote access to data centre resources is essential. However, protecting against unauthorised access and other cyber threats presents additional challenges, requiring smart access control solutions with comprehensive capabilities.
5. Integration
Data centres often incorporate a variety of access control solutions, identity management platforms, and physical security technologies. By consolidating these systems, administrators can detect, monitor, and respond to security threats in real-time.
Integrated access management equips data centres to identify vulnerabilities and reduce risks while meeting compliance requirements. Unifying smart access solutions with other core security systems – such as intrusion monitoring, license plate recognition, and video surveillance – ensures only authorised users can enter the facility or specific zones. The integration also allows security teams to verify credentials, track activities, and address incidents as they happen.
6. Compliance
Operating a data centre requires adhering to specific regulatory requirements related to access control. To ensure compliance while balancing security and operational needs, operators should opt for robust and efficient smart access solutions.
7. Scalability
Additionally, these centres are often governed by complex access policies based on roles, responsibilities, and the sensitivity of data. Enforcing them can be challenging, especially in large organisations with numerous employees, contractors, and third-party vendors requiring different levels of access.
Salto smart access control solutions for data centers
Salto offers a range of advanced solutions to address the unique access control challenges that data centers grapple with. Our innovative products and services are universally compatible, offering seamless integration, optimised user experiences, and a convenient yet secure solution to meet your needs.
Salto Space
Salto Space is a powerful SVN based standalone wire-free platform designed to manage and secure physical access in various environments, including data centers. On-premise and server-based, it integrates both networked hardware and software components to provide seamless, scalable wireless security management through several leading-edge features:
- Salto Virtual Network (SVN) technology facilitates encrypted wireless communication, securely managing and updating locks without the need for physical keys or wired connections.
- Web-based system operator browser provides a unified platform to manage access rights and monitor activity across multiple locations.
- Centralised management allows administrators to manage and secure access throughout the premises on a single platform.
- Integration capabilities to ensure compatibility with third-party systems for alarms, CCTV, and other security infrastructure.
Mobile access
With Salto’s mobile access-enabled solutions, you can define who can enter or exit more conveniently. Encrypt new digital keys for users, adjust access rights, or remove lost keys from the system quickly, easily, and in a cost-effective manner.
Mobile access also eliminates the security risks associated with lost or stolen physical keys. Instead, users can open doors with flexible, up-to-date credentials on their smartphones. Additionally, mobile access:
- provides the convenience of an intelligent, keyless access experience;
- eliminates physical keys and keycards, reducing materials costs and the hassles involved with lost keys;
- enables administrators to identify staff and service providers, allocate correct access permissions, and deliver digital keys to their smartphones – all in real-time; and
- allows administrators to deny or cancel lost or stolen digital credentials instantly.
Smart locking technology
Our range of compact electronic door lock cylinders is designed for use cases where fitting an electronic lock is not possible or required. They fit any function, model, or door standard, which makes installation possible on server racks, cabinets, electric switches, gates and standard or sliding doors.
Keyless, easy to retrofit, and completely mobile-compatible, our smart locking technology:
- integrates all your physical security needs through networked, battery-operated, and wireless smart cylinders;
- enhances operations with stand-alone SVN or online and real-time access control, delivering unmatched security; and
- leverages industry-leading security practices like advanced encryption to provide a secure and seamless keyless experience.
Why choose Salto smart access technology for your data center?
Boasting the most advanced and secure solutions, Salto works closely with you to design a customised plan best suited to your unique needs. No matter what your data centre security requirements are, our solutions offer a host of benefits:
- Enhanced security ensures only authorised personnel can access sensitive areas, protecting data from unsanctioned access and potential breaches.
- Improved compliance as your data centre will be able to provide detailed audit trails and access logs to meet regulatory requirements.
- Operational efficiency from simplifying access rights management, which reduces the administrative burden on IT and security staff.
- Scalability and flexibility delivered by solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of your growing data centre, supporting new installations and integrations as required.
- Cost-effective and accessible, our solutions reduce the need for physical keys and rekeying, leading to lower operational costs over time.
Fostering data security
Data centres face unique access control challenges, from handling complex security policies and user provisioning to credential management and mitigating insider threats. Single points of failure and integration hurdles further complicate security efforts, while compliance requirements add another layer of difficulty.
Salto’s smart access solutions are at the forefront of addressing the critical need for data centre security. Robust, scalable, and flexible, our innovative access control technologies are designed to tackle these unique challenges, ensuring enhanced security, improved compliance, and operational efficiency for data centres around the world.
Do you have a question about the Salto smart access solution range? Contact us, or visit our social media pages for more information on all things Salto.
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