Written by Ameya Soparkar - Data Centre Infrastructure Engineering Director/Rittal North America LLC
Data is a valuable commodity, yet, some data such as government data, financial, personal data, etc. is particularly more important for a variety of reasons. Safeguarding such data requires a unique level absolute security especially when it comes to Edge data centres.
Edge data centres require physical security for the protection of the installed IT network/server gear. They must protect sensitive and important information against virtual and physical threats, and they need to provide reliable remote monitoring, alarms and event notifications, and network-based access control.
In a typical data centre, where the access is limited to key personnel, keeping the IT network/server racks secure is a relatively simple task. However, implementing security at the Edge, where the traffic not always can be controlled, is more complicated. These standalone installations don't have the multiple layers of security found in and around big data centres, so more thought must be put into such deployments.
As a side note, some Edge deployments are located in high-traffic areas a campus or train station, for instance where security is minimal compared to a traditional data centre. Are these Edge deployments vulnerable? Yes. However, as useful as that data may be, some of these deployments simply do not require the absolute highest levels of security, as they are designed to not interrupt operations or affect the upstream infrastructure upon failure, e.g., failure in a single monitoring camera does not cause failure of the entire surveillance system.
Most Edge data centres are located in uncontrolled environments, which basically means you need to make extra efforts to implement as much control as possible, whether it is on the environment or security. With limited physical access to equipment, control comes from managing the data centre's multiple equipment and components and communication channels remotely.
Here are the components of a reliable top-to-bottom Edge security framework:
Security can mean different things to different people. No doubt to IT Facilities Managers, security means both cyber and physical. So, in addition to making things tough for cyberattackers, the most vital aspect of a high-security Edge deployment is physical security; the last line of defence.
As mentioned, most Edge deployments do not have multiple layers of security (biometric access, on-premise security officers, etc.) before allowing access to server racks. It is basically just the IT cabinet itself, so physical security needs to be robust. It's not possible to prevent every type of break-in, yet external points of vulnerability can be minimised.
The companies that manufacture IT network/server racks design them to withstand Edge environments and load them with smart security protocols. They know the value of the data housed within the cabinet is immense. To reach the high-security level, sensors must monitor numerous physical threats: water, dust, particles, fire/smoke, vibration, electromagnetic fields, temperature change, and falling debris.
Cooling solutions must operate in harsh Edge environments to maintain the proper climate conditions for your IT equipment. Many of these deployments include self-contained IT cabinets with integrated climate control: open- or closed-air loop, air conditioner, or row-based cooling. Because even the slightest bit of downtime could be critical, cooling systems should be inspected at regular intervals depending upon the harshness of the environment.
Thinking of monitoring a high-security Edge deployment, you need to evaluate equipment performance, see IT cabinet status, and be assured that all power needs are being adequately met.
Remote management tools provide advanced warning of hotspots, power issues, redundancy loss, and so much more. Actions can be taken immediately, without needing to send a skilled technician to inspect the occurred failure and come up with an action plan. Not only does this provide peace of mind but, based on the performance of the monitored variables, it allows you to understand the trends and, thus, predict imminent failures.
For high-security Edge deployments, Rittal's tried and tested CMC III monitoring system provides reliable monitoring and control. The system monitors environmental conditions in real-time, sends notifications of triggered alarms, and electronically controls physical access. Sensors include temperature, humidity, vandalism, airflow, air pressure, smoke, water leaks, motion, power, etc.
For maximum security, both a PIN code and access card are required for entry, and cameras for video surveillance can be added. As some Edge data centres require much higher security, the CMC III system is able to meet those requirements.
The main focus of Edge deployments is on the awareness and prevention of physical threats: dust, water, fire, break-ins, etc. Rittal's pre-engineered standalone platform designs integrated cabinets with cooling, power, fire suppression, and related accessories are designed to address the physical threats that are encountered in deployments at non-traditional spaces.
These specific TS IT features help elevate security:
In addition to high-end IT network/server racks, Rittal offers Security Rooms and Micro Data Centres specifically to house high-security Edge deployments. Such a room can be built in an existing space, depending on the individual requirements. The wall panels and doors of the room are made to be fire-resistant (multi-layer and sheet steel) and vandalism- and burglary-proof. The locks are equipped with a high-security bolt system, with latch bolt and a panic release feature, for utmost security.
Especially in high-security Edge deployments, it is vital to lean on an experienced partner for turnkey installation and after-sales services. Not only will a dedicated team keep IT network/server racks in optimal condition, they also help ensure they are secure.
Ask for these services:
Edge computing literally moves computer applications, data, and services away from centralised nodes to the very edge of the internet, facilitating real-time and rapid on-site analyses and data processing. The security achieved at the IT network/server rack level is the core of an entire security and monitoring system. Achieving a high level of fail-safe security and reliability requires a comprehensive continuity plan.
Choosing the right IT cabinet for your Edge system is crucial. If there's a weakness in the performance of your Edge data centre, it affects your entire network. That's why it is vital to implement smart preventive security measures, anticipate future issues, manage your assets properly, and regularly monitor the deployment.
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