Physical security for data centers has come a long way since I first started in the industry — way back when dinosaurs roamed the hot and cold aisles. Back then, public awareness of data centers was minimal. Security processes involved sign-in sheets; clip-on badges; and a friendly nod to Phil, the security guard. Phil would nod back and then return his focus to the screen showing surveillance camera views of the exterior of the building.
That was then. But over the past couple of decades, physical security for data centers has evolved to a level that is appropriate for critical infrastructure for the global economy. People are still at the heart of a facility’s security strategy, but now they have a much more sophisticated array of technology to support them rather than just a small screen and some walkie-talkies. Those devices can include hundreds of cameras, access controls, movement sensors, biometrics devices, and even drones. The number and diversity of those devices is making facility security a complex IoT environment similar to that of an industrial site, manufacturing plant, or other large-scale IoT implementation.