Securing a data center can be quite the challenge because, well, it's hard to secure what you can't see. How to secure the internet of things is one of the most sought after questions today. You see, internet data centers have increasingly become a target for a lot of hackers and cyber criminals. They view these centers as vulnerable to new different kinds of attacks.

Tip #1

Include logical and physical security to your data center. Logical security includes authorization, passwords, and encryption while physical security includes restricted access, locks on server storage, and networking cabinets. The cleaning personnel cabinets should be separate from those where you store the storage networking tools and cabling. Logical security means that you secure networks with firewalls, virus detection programs, and running anti-spyware. You can solve a lot of these issues by choosing a data center cloud. The company you choose will be responsible for physically securing your data center, and they will usually implement the logical security elements for you as a standard practice. 

Tip #2

When it comes to physical security, you should change your door-lock combinations or key-codes on a regular basis and inform only the people who need to have that information. You should also change default passwords at installations and regularly as well. Only restrict access to those management tools to the people who need to it as well.

Tip #3

Know all the people who have access to the fixed and removable data-storage devices and media. Perform background checks of any third party personnel or contractors who handle the data and leverage the access logs.  Identify any weak links in the movement processes and correct them. You can use data discovery tools to detect the information that is not secure.

Tip #4

If you have plans to move data electronically, you have to ensure you do not lose anything by using safe and secure public or private network. Some of the techniques you can use to protect your data during flight include virtual private networks, encryption, and IPSec protocol. Encryption is here to stay even though there is a debate on how, when, and where to implement it. You can consider the level and depth of encryption you need for your threats.

Tip #5

Do not let data security become the bottleneck of your productivity because that way you will compromise a security initiative. The more transparent security is to the people who have access to the data, the less likely they will even try to circumvent your efforts.

Is your data safe? Do you even know where your data is? You should have backups at all times and ensure that the backups and archives are secure as well.