Best Practices of Colocation Data Center Security [Tips for 2024]

Choosing the right colocation facility to host your servers and equipment can be difficult. A major factor you want to thoroughly investigate is the facility’s security.

If you don’t know what to look for when trying to ensure the security of your data and equipment while utilizing colocation services, you have come to the right place. In this list, we identify some best practices that companies should look for when choosing a colocation provider.

1.   Physical Security Measures

A colocation facility is a physical space where multiple companies store their servers and networking equipment. So, the first step in its security plan is establishing measures for physical security.

Some of the best measures for data center physical security include:

•     A secure location without geographical or weather-related hazards
•     Perimeter fencing
•     24/7 security personnel
•     Access controls at entry points
•     Mantraps
•     Multi-factor authentication
•     Environment monitors and regulation systems
•     Floor-bolt server cabinets and cages with locks
•     Reinforced concrete walls around the facility

The implementation of many security measures is best as it results in a multi-layered security perimeter. It also offers several security checks that are distributed throughout its layers and segments, enabling multiple opportunities for threat detection.

2.   Data and Network Security

A secure data and network is another thing to look for in a good colocation facility that’s capable of deterring breaches. A secure infrastructure should have:

•     Virtual firewalls
•     IP address monitoring
•     Intrusion detection systems
•     Reverse proxies
•     Network-level and server-level encryption
•     Encrypted communications
•     Net flow analyzers and isolators
•     Software for filtering spam and viruses

Network and data security protocols should be able to identify risks in the systems and prevent them. Colocation providers should also have protocols that restrict remote access to a few trusted devices and IP addresses. When users are in transit, they should have access to secure virtual private networks (VPNs) that encrypt data.

3.   Backups

Colocation facilities must have redundant data backups and secondary infrastructure built into their security systems. These backups can save providers and their clients a lot of time and money while reducing the work involved in restoring systems that have been compromised by cyberattacks.

Redundant data backups include multiple copies of the data. This ensures you have plenty of reliable backups in case some of the backups were created after a data breach.

Secondary infrastructure refers to backup generators, ventilation, cooling systems, and other systems used at the colocation facility. Having a backup of these is essential to avoid downtime in case an attack or an emergency occurs at the facility.

4.   Data Center Network Segmentation

Data center network segmentation is a useful strategy for minimizing damage in the face of an attack. It entails dividing the network and isolating each segment independently.

This makes it harder for hackers to access the entire network in one attempt. The more time it takes for hackers to access the network, the more time the facility has to mitigate the risk.

5.   Testing and Monitoring

Any good colocation facility should deploy a zero-trust security system that requires constant monitoring at every level. This means ensuring all authorized visitors and activities are tracked whether they’re inside or outside the perimeter.

The second half of the strategy is constant testing to ensure any vulnerabilities in the data center security are minimized and addressed. Testing involves regular security drills to find vulnerabilities in the virtual and physical security systems.

6.   Employee Education and Training

Security personnel and technicians make up a huge part of how well security measures are executed. So, they should have the right training for their daily responsibilities and the ability to mitigate unforeseen risks.

For starters, they should have all the standard industry training and certifications. Secondly, they need to have adequate experience in working with penetration testers who will try to talk their way into the facility.

7.   Maintenance and Updates

Hackers are in the habit of finding vulnerabilities before data center providers simply because it’s a major part of their work. While continuous testing and monitoring help to some extent, they can become a lot of work, especially when vulnerabilities increase.

Thankfully, new upgrades in hardware and software are regularly developed and made available to data center providers. These upgrades include features that address security and functional concerns in previous products.

Therefore, a secure colocation facility should always ensure that its systems are updated as soon as the latest patches become available.

Being Selective About Colocation Facilities Pays Off

Ensuring the presence of these precautions and preventive measures in colocation facilities means additional time and effort on your part but it’s due diligence that pays off. After all, your data, security, and privacy are at stake. In the end, it’s always better to be wary of risks before the damage is done than to try to redress the situation later.

Related Resources:

Colocation 101: A Complete Guide [What it is, Types, Features, How it Works, Benefits]

Colocation Vs. Dedicated Hosting

Colocation Solutions