Choosing A Data Center and Cloud Services Provider: 4 Security Standards and How They Are Important

neuCentrIX - 29/06/2021 10:05

In the era of the data economy, data security has become something vital and is now high on the list of every business’ priorities. However, data security cannot be separated from data center security. This is why security should always be a critical factor of consideration when a business is choosing a data center and cloud services provider to work with. When it comes to data center security, there are standards that need to be met, and it is important for companies to choose providers which apply proper security measures.

 

Network Security Measures

According to Verizon in the 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, 45% of data breaches featured hacking, 17% involved malware and 22% involved phishing. A data center and cloud provider should actively use firewalls and VPNs for cyber protection and identity shield.

 

A data center should also implement a Zero Trust Model where every transaction, movement, or iteration of data is treated as suspicious. In this kind of architecture, a provider runs a system that tracks network behavior and data flows, detects anomaly, and alerts people in charge. This also means monitoring and restricting digital access, for example by regularly reviewing the permissions that are set for any users who have access to the servers.

 

Physical Security Measures

Physical security is another critical aspect data center and cloud providers should pay attention to. The physical security of a data center facility are built from various elements: location choice, infrastructure reinforcement (e.g. thick walls, metal window grills, or caged, locked server cabinets), authorization and access lists, video surveillance, secure access points, and on-site 24/7/365 security staff.

 

Nonetheless, it is essential to orchestrate all these elements as part of a comprehensive, layered system. The idea is to force a potential intruder to breach several layers of security before reaching valuable data or hardware assets in the server room. If one layer proves ineffective, other layers will still have the chance to prevent the intrusion from compromising the entire system.

 

Personnel Management

A lot of people move, work, and interact throughout a secure data center facility, from technicians to security staff. Conducting thorough background checks on staff and regularly evaluating all third-party vendors are some ways for data center and cloud providers to ensure that these people can be trusted to manage and protect their valuable IT assets.

 

Another vital aspect of personnel management is exit procedures. A reliable data center facility should have systems and procedures in place to remove the access and privileges of someone who leaves their position in the facility. This could mean updating access lists, collecting keys, or deleting biometric data from the facility’s system to ensure they will not be able to pass through security in the future.

 

Natural Disaster and Emergency Planning

Data center security also requires a detailed and layered emergency plan which includes a strategy and protocols for protection against natural disasters and environmental threats. To minimize the chances of failure, the plan should be tested and updated as the data center environment and business priorities change.

 

Data center and cloud providers should also have redundant data backups and secondary infrastructure in place in case of emergency. The cloud can be utilized for backups, so any vital information is safely stored online and accessible in the event of a disaster. Moreover, any important business paperworks should be copied or scanned and stored both offline and online. 


 

Choosing a data center and cloud provider that implement proper standardized security measures is necessary for businesses. One of the ways is choosing providers with proper certifications for security and compliance such as ISO 27001, SSAE 18, or SOC reports. These certifications are evidence that providers have fulfilled all the standards, and they have been thoroughly audited by authorized institutions.