© Copyright Acquisition International 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

Article Image - 4 Innovative Approaches to Safeguarding Business Data Facilities
Posted 23rd July 2024

4 Innovative Approaches to Safeguarding Business Data Facilities

In today’s digital landscape, data facilities have become some of the most vital infrastructures that organisations must safeguard.

Mouse Scroll AnimationScroll to keep reading

Let us help promote your business to a wider following.

4 Innovative Approaches to Safeguarding Business Data Facilities
A digital padlock icon centered on a computer screen

In today’s digital landscape, data facilities have become some of the most vital infrastructures that organisations must safeguard. These specialised environments are repositories for sensitive data and critical applications that enable business IT infrastructure to operate effectively. Data protection is a strategic imperative, but management often considers it from the network security standpoint — only a few consider the equally essential physical security aspect.

Explore the key components of safeguarding data centres and the growing list of innovative measures to prevent physical and digital intrusions.

1. Security Personnel

Securing business data facilities begins with deploying trained security guards to patrol the grounds 24/7. In many cases, their presence can be enough to thwart potential attacks, such as tampering with hardware and performing on-site hacks. Alarms and CCTV systems are assets but might not be enough to deter malicious actors.

On-Site Guards

Having on-site personnel introduces a human element — an unhackable security layer — to the mix. These professionals can also promptly assess and address breaches before computer systems initiate a response. According to an industry report, 10% of criminal data breaches in 2020 occurred because physical security was lacking or otherwise compromised.

Security Culture

Advanced protocols implemented by guards and other facility employees are fundamental to any security strategy. These systems ensure everyone on-site understands their roles in upholding set standards and fostering a proactive data protection culture.

Building Entry Screening

Before visitors can enter a data centre, they must undergo screening and be issued the appropriate clearances. Security guards man all the entrances and exits, ensuring only authorised individuals enter and leave the establishment.

2. Perimeter Security Measures

The next layer in safeguarding business IT infrastructure is managing the critical access points along the structure’s outer boundary.

Fencing and Barriers

High, impenetrable fencing and security barriers around data centres create an effective deterrent. This perimeter represents the first line of defence in preventing coordinated physical incursions and natural disasters.

Video Surveillance

Security cameras are a facility’s remote eyes and ears. Studies suggest these measures can deter crime by about 50% and are more effective than outdoor lighting and security signage. Combined with physical security systems, surveillance technologies provide a comprehensive view of activity inside and outside the compound.

3. Environmental Controls

Effective data centre security involves protecting critical infrastructure against variable environmental events like fire and floods. Two common innovations in preventing these issues are:

Fire Suppression Systems

Data facilities house large collections of electronic devices, any of which can cause a fire. The right suppression system is essential. For instance, water-based systems, though effective, can damage servers further and prolong data recovery processes. Mist-based and gas are more ideal solutions in this context.

Temperature and Humidity Monitoring

Interconnected IoT sensors can track real-time temperature and humidity levels in critical areas, including server rooms and main power systems. Automated alerts notify administrators based on predefined safe limits.

4. Access Controls

These systems protect data facilities against unauthorised access from criminals and whatever digital devices they might carry. Effective access control methods include:

Expanded Metal Cages

Expanded metal server cages are the ultimate gateway control system — they’re durable and non-hackable, and they restrict access to only authorised personnel. The perforated surfaces allow maximum airflow circulation, protecting systems from overheating and ensuring proper function.

Smart Lockers

Smart lockers are cutting-edge storage solutions fitted with advanced computer and sensor networks. These units feature configurable software and facilitate secure, on-demand access to stored assets. The authentication panel learns from user activities during asset sign-in and sign-out processes, notifying administrators of any usual pattern. These systems can also issue alerts if a user does not return an asset on schedule.

Biometric Authentication

Finger vein, voice recognition and retinal scans offer a high-level security layer for data facilities and other physical resources. These systems may be more expensive to implement than other electronic authentication gateways but offer significantly stronger security — certainly more than shareable credentials like passwords and PINs.

Data-At-Rest Encryption

Encrypting stored data prevents unauthorised access to sensitive information and mitigates the risk of data breaches, theft or loss. This approach is also crucial to compliance with various regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA.

Best Practices for Securing Critical Business IT Infrastructure

No matter the organisation’s size, following industry-standard best practices safeguarding data facilities will improve its security posture:

  • Conduct regular employee training: Train staff on the necessity of access control protocols and educate them on the latest cybersecurity threats, from social engineering to ransomware.
  • Perform periodic audits: The threat landscape is constantly evolving, with more sophisticated attacks appearing daily. Regular evaluations are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and areas for improvement in the security framework. These audits must also include checks for structural weaknesses, especially after extreme weather events.
  • Develop a structured incident response plan: Implement clear procedures for handling security incidents or suspicious activities. On-site personnel must also know how to escalate concerns efficiently with relevant authorities in case of a breach.
  • Deploy a zero-trust architecture: This security model assumes no trust within or outside the network perimeter. By verifying every user and device attempting to access the network, businesses can prevent unauthorised access and minimise the risk of security incidents.

Data Facility Security Is a Multifaceted Responsibility

Given the potential consequences of a breach, the importance of securing business IT infrastructure and its housing facilities cannot be overstated.

However, no single method guarantees 100% protection against evolving threats, hence the need for a collective approach involving the best safeguard mechanisms. Everyone is jointly responsible for maintaining a dynamic, resilient security network and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Categories: News, Strategy


You Might Also Like
Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Helsingborg-Helsingør route
Finance
19/03/2015Helsingborg-Helsingør route

First State Investments has reached financial close for its acquisition of the Helsingborg - Helsingør ferry route, raising about €230 million ($261 million) equivalent of debt from three commercial banks and a debt fund. A joint-venture between ferry opera

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
A Strong Footing in the Stock Market: Exploring Investment Strategies
Finance
10/03/2022A Strong Footing in the Stock Market: Exploring Investment Strategies

Standing at about $93 trillion, the stock market seemed primed for a next mega move that could thrust its valuation to over $100 trillion--or better. This is impressive, but what are the best strategies to become a part of this super wave?

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Several Ways on How Engineering Innovations Make Your Business More Competitive
Innovation
13/09/2021Several Ways on How Engineering Innovations Make Your Business More Competitive

Wondering what kind of benefits engineering innovation can bring to business so that the last win competition among dozens of rivals? Keep reading this article!

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
What lessons has the pandemic taught us about the fluidity of labour in the run up to Brexit?
Innovation
25/11/2020What lessons has the pandemic taught us about the fluidity of labour in the run up to Brexit?

So much time and angst has been spent on the B word since May 2016, much of it around the issue of fluidity of labour across borders. But what this year has shown is that technology and talent refuse to recognise borders: try building a wall in the cloud. So m

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
How to Incorporate Cryptocurrency in Your Business
Finance
28/09/2021How to Incorporate Cryptocurrency in Your Business

Companies and various brands around the world are starting to incorporate cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, in operational and transactional purposes. While its value is still in a volatile state, more and more people are waking up to its advantages. If yo

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
7 Best SOC 2 Compliance Software in 2024
News
26/07/20247 Best SOC 2 Compliance Software in 2024

7 Best SOC 2 Compliance Software in 2024 With cybersecurity threats on the rise and becoming more sophisticated by the day, SOC 2 compliance is becoming a real non-negotiable for businesses to assure customers and stakeholders that they take their security and

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Boosting Business Efficiency: Innovative Solutions for Accurate Documentation and Record-Keeping
News
04/01/2024Boosting Business Efficiency: Innovative Solutions for Accurate Documentation and Record-Keeping

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency is the key to success. One area where efficiency plays a crucial role is in documentation and record-keeping. Accurate and timely documentation not only ensures compliance with regulations but also e

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Unlocking Efficiency: How to Enhance Energy and Cost Savings in Facilities and Warehouses
Finance
11/03/2025Unlocking Efficiency: How to Enhance Energy and Cost Savings in Facilities and Warehouses

All business with facilities and warehouses faces mounting challenges when balancing cost management with energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Leading the Way in Fiduciary Services
Finance
06/03/2018Leading the Way in Fiduciary Services

Fiduciana Trust (Cyprus) Limited is a boutique Cyprus trustee and fiduciary services company with international coverage.



Our Trusted Brands

Acquisition International is a flagship brand of AI Global Media. AI Global Media is a B2B enterprise and are committed to creating engaging content allowing businesses to market their services to a larger global audience. We have 14 unique brands, each of which serves a specific industry or region. Each brand covers the latest news in its sector and publishes a digital magazine and newsletter which is read by a global audience.

Arrow