While many businesses may operate using Cloud servers that they don’t have to host on-site, plenty prefer to have their servers where they can see and manage them directly. However, if you’re not cognizant of the potential risks to them, you can end up leaving them open to exploitation, damage, and data theft. So, what can you do to make sure that you’re in control of who gets close to your servers and when?
Monitor Your Server Activity
First and foremost, you should make sure that you monitor your server activity at all times. Outsourced cybersecurity experts with monitoring tools are not only able to spot signs of potential breach attempts or errors within the server data itself, but they can also detect unusual hardware activity, such as unauthorized device connections or unexpected shutdowns. They can also be connected to environmental sensors that can track things like temperature, humidity, and smoke levels to alert you to any potential hazards like overheating in the server room. Make sure these alerts are designed to ping your IT teams immediately so that they can act to secure the room as quickly as possible.
Know Who Has Access And When
It shouldn’t be the case that anyone can open the door and enter your server room at any time they like. Entry should be tightly restricted with the help of door access control systems, which can use credentials like keycards, PIN codes, or biometric details to only let in those with the right authentication. Make sure that only your IT team and those who require it have entry privileges, and review them regularly to revoke them from those who no longer need them or have left the company.
Strengthen Oversight With Surveillance
Video surveillance systems can add an additional level of accountability and visibility, but in and around your server rooms. Consider positioning cameras at the entrances and inside, allowing you to check and verify that only authorized personnel are able to access the equipment within. If there’s any suspicious activity or equipment damage, you can check over the recorded footage to help with your investigation, as well. Given that many server rooms are kept in relatively low light conditions, you should consider advanced cameras with high-definition visuals that are designed to maintain visibility in such spaces.
Lock Your Individual Server Racks
An extra layer of protection is never a bad thing. With the help of cabinet locks and keys, you can make sure that only the right people have access to the specific pieces of equipment. By compartmentalizing your protection, you can ensure that a potential criminal or saboteur isn’t able to access your data directly just because they’re able to get past your first line of defense. It also greatly reduces the risk of accidental disconnections or intentional tampering.
With the tips above, you can make sure that your servers are protected not just digitally, but physically, as well. The consequences of a data breach are simply too severe to leave them unguarded.
