Physical Security Measures for Data Centers: Bridging the Gap Between Cyber and Physical Threats

By Brian Higgins

When most people think about data center security, digital defenses like firewalls,

encryption, and secure networks are what comes to mind. But even the strongest digital

systems can fail if someone walks through an unsecured door. That’s why physical

security is just as important as cybersecurity when it comes to securing data centers.

Why Physical Security Deserves Equal Attention

Data centers store everything from personal emails and photos to sensitive business

and government data. Cybersecurity is aimed at keeping all that info secure. But behind

all that technology lies something often overlooked: the physical space itself. These

centers are filled with servers, power systems, and cooling networks that keep our

digital lives running smoothly. Because of this, data centers have become prime targets

for both digital and physical threats. An unauthorized entry or security equipment failure

could cause a massive disruption.

This is especially true for data centers that support cryptocurrency operations and

house what is known as “cold storage” which are servers that store digital currency

offline so it cannot be hacked. Because these systems are isolated from the internet,

the only way to access the assets is through the hardware itself via a physical breach.

That’s why protecting data centers isn’t just about cybersecurity. Controlling access and

safeguarding infrastructure are just as critical as protecting against online attacks. A

disabled camera or unauthorized person in a restricted area is as dangerous as a

hacker from across the globe. A physical security breach can be just as catastrophic as

a cyber one. Multi-layers of protection are what are key to securing these sensitive

digital hubs.

With So Much at Stake, Hiring the Right Security Expertise is Critical

I’ve seen it before - a company hires someone with a cybersecurity background to

handle both cyber and physical security. This leaves organizations vulnerable. Security

is not one-size-fits-all. Cybersecurity professionals protect systems, networks, and data,

while physical security professionals protect people, facilities, and infrastructure. For the

utmost protection, data centers should hire both types of professionals as each has their

own specific set of expertise.

Managing the physical security for a data center requires hands-on experience. You

need professionals who know how to assess and design camera coverage, manage

access points, coordinate emergency response, and think like a physical threat actor.

Ideally, a physical security professional for a data center would carry a Certified

Protection Professional (CPP) designation from ASIS International. These professionals

(of which I am one) are trained to bridge cyber and physical security, but their focus

remains on the physical aspect.

For data centers storing cryptocurrency assets, that physical expertise is even more

critical. Cold storage is intentionally offline so physical security is the last and only line

of defense.

Bridging Two Worlds

The most secure data centers would have cyber and physical teams working side-

by-side because in reality these two layers of protection are connected. A cyber breach

can disable a door lock or silence alarms, and a physical break-in can lead to stolen

systems that contain sensitive data. A breach in one type of security can compromise

the other.

Collaboration between both security teams is essential. They should regularly meet to

review current security measures and procedures, run drills, and identify gaps

where a weakness in one side could cascade into the other. On the physical

security side, there should be regular assessments and monitoring of evolving threats -

followed by cross departmental communication on how to address any vulnerabilities.

The right people, the right planning, and the right follow-through can make all the

difference.