Data center security: everything you need to know

What is a secure data center?

A secure data center offers a controlled environment designed for the storage and processing of sensitive business data.

Key components of data center security include physical security measures, network security, and access control measures, all designed to prevent unauthorized system access.

The primary goal of a secure data center is to protect against unauthorized access to physical assets, IT systems, and sensitive data. Organizations rely on data centers for storing and processing mission-critical applications, including those related to government, finance, and healthcare. In some cases, data centers are also deployed as disaster recovery solutions.

Other times, organizations might deploy data centers as a disaster recovery data center.

The key components of data center security include physical security measures, network security and access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to systems.

Data center physical security

The design of an optimal data center integrates multiple physical security measures to guard against physical threats, in addition to environmental threats such as fires and floods.

At Iron Mountain Data Centers, security is synonymous with our brand. We adhere to the most rigorous data center security standards and practices, employing a defense-in-depth strategy. This approach incorporates multiple security layers. We secure our facilities with great attention to detail, from the property's boundary to the individual machine. Iron Mountain Data Centers offers secure colocation solutions tailored to meet specific requirements.

To prevent unauthorized system access, our data centers utilize multi-factor authentication, biometric software, CCTV monitoring, lockable cabinets, secured data center cages, and other advanced measures. Our trained security personnel protect and monitor the premises continuously and provide a sophisticated level of service unmatched in the industry. Moreover, compliance is crucial to data center security. IMDC has the most thorough compliance program available. You can learn more on our website.

Perimeter data center security

Our data center security begins at the perimeter of our fenced facility. At the security gate, all visitors are required to present a government-issued ID to Iron Mountain security personnel. We require visitors to give advance notice of their visit. Once inside the data center lobby, visitors must again present their ID to our security personnel and will be escorted for the duration of their visit.

Visitor access requirements

• A Visitor Access Ticket must be submitted ahead of time for each non-badged individual requesting access to an IMDC facility.
• IMDC reserves the right to open and inspect and x-ray all parcels, packages, briefcases, purses, backpacks and cargo entering a data center facility, and to search any vehicle entering the data center property.
• Individuals under the age of sixteen (16) are not permitted to enter the data center without prior approval from the Data Center Manager. The minimum age for entrance is eighteen (18) at the IMDC Boyers data center facility.

After receiving a visitor’s badge, guests are accompanied by our security personnel into the data center.

Access control measures in a secure data center

Iron Mountain Data Centers uses key access control measures to secure the physical environment of our data centers. Access control includes authentication and authorization mechanisms to verify and permit legitimate users on a least privilege basis, including PINs and biometric authentication.

Authentication mechanisms include:

• Biometric authentication: Biometric authentication uses unique physiological traits, such as fingerprints and retinas, to verify identity. Only verified and authorized personnel and visitors can access the data center. 
• CCTV monitoring: Our trained security staff uses CCTV monitoring to keep a watchful eye on the data center. 
• Lockable cabinets and cages:  Lockable cabinets and cages provide an additional security measure to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and equipment. 

Data center security tailored to your needs

At Iron Mountain Data Centers, we dedicate ourselves to working closely with our customers to understand their specific requirements. Whether it involves ensuring the security and protection of their equipment and information or addressing their unique colocation service needs within our data centers, we tailor our solutions to provide the perfect fit.

Additional security needs

We ensure consistent security measures across our entire global data center portfolio.

For customers who require additional security, we partner with them to implement extra measures, including technical and access controls. In addition, many of our security personnel hold government clearances.

At Iron Mountain Data Centers, security and compliance are integral to our operations. Our facilities, both underground and above-ground, rank among the most secure data centers globally. For decades, heavily regulated organizations, such as government entities, healthcare providers, and financial institutions, have trusted us with their data.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and your business.