Data security is a serious and constant concern. The Sony hack proved that no entity, big or small, is safe from theft. It’s not just data theft for the crook’s personal gain that keeps business owners on edge, but its misuse or destruction. People who give their personal details, such as in medical facilities, would also worry about their information getting leaked.
To safeguard Big Data, you can’t rely only on digital safeguards; you need physical security, as well. If you have big data that requires more than a few servers, it is best to build a separate building offsite just for keeping that data. Here’s some advice on how to keep that place secure.
Keep the place as secret as possible
The more people who know about the location of your servers, the higher the risks. Although it is nearly impossible to keep a building’s location a secret, you may reduce the chances of it becoming known. Find a place to construct your building surrounded by thick foliage and trees, at least a few hundred yards away from the road. You may not be able to ask Google Maps to remove your building from its maps, but you may request to have it blurred. Google has vehicles going around taking pictures of streets and houses, so you know it’s not just satellite photos you should be worried about.
Limit access to your data centre
Only authorised personnel should have access to your data centre. IDs are not enough. Biometrics should be used, as well. Employ trained security and not just people from any security agency. It goes without saying that you should pay them well, to discourage them from selling information or getting friendly with potential thieves. Lock-out, tag-out systems are typically used in chemical plants, but it might be a good idea to use one for your most important servers.
Data is valuable. Not only will you lose information you need for business if thieves or vandals get to your servers and files; you may also answer to the law if people’s info finds its way to the public. This is a violation of their rights.
Put all possible security measures to protect your servers and files. The expense won’t be small, but it’s a lot costlier to lose data due to carelessness.
