Modular security rooms for data centers.
The concept of «functional security of information resources» has been known and widely used by specialists around the world for many years. This is a multifaceted concept, its main components are:
technical security;
logical security;
physical security.
A detailed examination allows us to conclude that technical security requires such measures as building backup centers, organizing uninterruptible power supply, “mirroring” data processing and storage systems, and selecting high-quality equipment for organizing IT infrastructure.
Components of logical security are antivirus programs, systems that protect against unauthorized access, identification and coding systems, and the selection of high-quality licensed software.
Finally, such a component as physical security provides protection from fire, water and fire extinguishing liquids, corrosive gases and electromagnetic radiation. Among the possible threats, it is necessary to highlight such as vandalism, theft, explosions and falling debris. Even banal dust, which, as we know, is everywhere, can cause failures in the operation of IT equipment and the loss of valuable information.
Ensuring physical security must, of course, exclude unauthorized access to the premises.
The concept of security in the IT field has long been firmly established in the usual list of tasks solved by almost any company. It is impossible to determine which of the components of the general concept of functional security is more or less important. Here, as they say, there are no trifles and cannot be. But if protection from such factors of influence as corrosive gases, unauthorized access, electromagnetic radiation, explosions, vandalism, dust, can be attempted to be implemented by standard forces and means, then, for example, protection from the effects of high temperatures (fire) and humidity (water) when using standardly constructed premises cannot be implemented.
Risk factor «fire»
When exposed to high temperatures, ordinary building materials begin to give off moisture, of which they themselves consist by 40-60%. That is, it will never be possible to achieve compliance with the temperature and humidity levels required for the operation of IT equipment in an ordinary room.
If you compare the standards adopted in Europe for data centers (EN 1047-2) and for the construction of ordinary buildings made of brick and concrete (DIN 4102 (EN 1363), you will see how noticeably they differ. For example, the usual building code does not even define the requirements for ensuring a particular level of humidity.
Existing solutions
Today, the market offers a number of solutions that can guarantee the physical security of the IT infrastructure.
Among these solutions:
modular security rooms for data processing centers (DPC), switching nodes;
modular security safes for protecting remote nodes of the IT infrastructure, switching racks;
safes for storing information carriers.
The optimal choice today is modular rooms, although, of course, all three solutions offered by the market can also be used in combination. Whatever it is – a server room, a room for placing switching racks or infrastructure rooms for complex computer centers – the creation of security system sections using basic protection (LER Basic), extended basic protection (LER Extend) or the highest security level (LSR 18.6E) will allow you to minimize the downtime of the IT system and protect the equipment. Modular security solutions can be flexibly adapted to the structural features of buildings. In addition, all components can be used either individually or as part of a common system.
Smart combination with other infrastructure solutions, such as the USP system, microclimate control, fire alarm and extinguishing systems, video surveillance, access control and management systems, allows you to minimize risks.
IT security rooms are based on globally recognized and proven IT security concepts, the use of which leads to the creation of an infrastructure that is certified and integrated into the company's risk management system. Perfect protection for hardware systems, network components and computer medium infrastructures — all this can be provided by security rooms.
The use of security rooms guarantees basic protection for the server room and life support systems from fire, fire water, dust, falling debris, theft and burglary.
The design of modular security rooms is a solution consisting of wall, ceiling and floor elements, doors, fresh air intake and excess pressure relief hatches, and special cable entries.
The elements of the walls and ceiling are essentially a sandwich panel, inside which there are layers of special substances that provide protection from high temperatures and moisture penetration. The peculiarity of the substance is that when heated, it does not change its physical state, and this process occurs with the absorption of heat. In other words, the walls «eat» the heat, preventing it from penetrating into the data center area. The design elements are created in such a way as to ensure independence from the building structure itself, while optimally fitting into all its features (columns, ledges and other construction features).
Technical infrastructure
First of all, it is necessary to say about lighting. Special lighting is provided for the room when personnel are present in it. In the event of a power failure, the fire lighting mode is activated.
In addition, the modular rooms are equipped with their own cable entry system, through which information cables and pipes of various systems are brought into the IT center premises. Cable entries are guaranteed to be protected from fire and water penetration. There is a solution for installation without disconnecting the equipment using specially designed cable entries.
A very important element of the technical infrastructure is the excess pressure relief hatch, designed to release combustion products. When the gas fire extinguishing system in the IT safety room is triggered by gas supply, the valve is forced to open. After extinguishing, the hatch closes automatically.
A ventilation hatch is used to ensure air supply. It consists of a casing, a protective box and a horizontal sliding element. The hatch closes automatically if a fire occurs outside the room.
As a rule, a modular security room is equipped with an automatic door that responds to alarm signals and closes when such are given.
The electrical and electronic functions of the IT security room are controlled by a special system. The switching unit and distribution system provide optical reflection and control over each element of the room.
Conclusions
Lack of due attention to protection from physical impact threatens the existence and operation of the entire IT structure of the company, which, in turn, threatens the loss of investments, prestige and funds. If you look closely at the history of the last 7 years, you can find a number of examples when insufficient attention to the issues of protecting the IT structure from physical impact led to very sensitive financial losses for organizations.
The creation of secure server and switching nodes is exactly the issue that is currently relevant for any company. First of all, this is due to the growing importance of IT systems in the life of any organization.