The group is made up of security & facilities management professionals working in the Data Centre Sector.The group’s mission is to collaborate on best practice, standards and guidelines across each of the layers of data centre security. The scope includes risk management consulting through to personnel provision/manned guarding services and the latest systems technology The group will also explore how physical security can integrate with cyber security enforcement.

The group will address the commonly found layers or areas of security to the data centre including:-

• The perimeter
• Clear space, car parking and reception areas
• Common & Circulation areas
• The Security Operations Centre
• The plant room (Grey Space)
• The data centre floor (White Space)
• The racks (including consideration to containment models)

Typical collaboration may include physical security best practices that operate across each of the layers including:- 

• Perimeter detection (PIDs)
• Fencing, gates and barriers
• Anti-intrusion defense & man and vehicle traps,
• Access control including biometrics
• Searching and screening
• Fire Alarm, detection & protection
• Surveillance (CCTV & VMS)
• Security Operations Centre (SOC) & remote Alarm Handling Centre (ARC)
• Together with the role of the Visitor/ Reception services, the security officer, mobile patrols & reactive response services.

The group will also discuss, discover & share ideas on risk mitigation from existing, new & emerging threat actors to the data centre community, including;-

• Protest Groups
• Terrorism
• Urban Exploration
• Inside Threats

Nigel Laws commented, “I am excited by the challenge ahead. Physical security is so critical to the modern data centre and the Group is committed to raising standards and driving best practice.”

To find out more about the Data Centre Alliance click here.