Physical security for mission-critical facilities and data centers

Abstract

In a study of security trends conducted in the summer of 2004, The ASIS Security Foundation, in cooperation with Eastern Kentucky University and the National Institute of Justice, released a report entitled ASIS Foundation Security Report: Scope and Emerging Trends. Of the security and information technology professionals surveyed, 46 percent identified computer and network security as their biggest concern. At the heart of concern for network security is the data center or mission-critical information technology facility where architectural, engineering, network, and building systems converge. Data center functionality can assume the traditional role of an enterprise computer room or more specific roles such as an Internet Service Provider (ISP), Application Service Provider (ASP), financial organizations, E-commerce, parcel shippers, government or defense industries, or other specialized purpose. Modern data centers are composed of layers of technical, facility, administrative support, and enduser space supporting a large computer room with vast amounts of processing and storage capability. Providing physical and cyber security for a mission-critical facility or data center can encompass a range of types of rooms and security needs. The building shell of the data center might contain the following types of spaces: • Lobby and meeting rooms • General offices • Telecommunications closets • Equipment rooms • Electrical and mechanical equipment • Technical, electrical, and mechanical support • Storage rooms • Loading docks • Computer room