How to Secure Server Racks?

A server is a specialized computer designed to work with resource-intensive utilities. It is a mega-brain that supplies functioning systems with commands. The server is used in the local network of the company; with its help employees store and exchange files, get access to shared printers and scanners, work with 1C-Enterprise and databases. Servers also provide hosting – website operation (for example, they answer requests from users, store content, process the execution of scripts.

Usually, the server is located in a data center or server room; it is connected to electricity and the Internet all the time. If the server goes down suddenly, the company will suffer financial losses.

In the article, you’ll find out what kind of locks server racks use and how to ensure their proper protection.

Reasons to Secure

The above-mentioned cases are the main reason to keep the security of the servers. There are other situations that may influence its uninterruptable functioning, such as:

• accidental damage

Server racks are characterized by an open-frame design, which means that the installed hardware is not protected from unauthorized access. Usually, such furniture pieces are stored in data centers, access to which is limited. However, no one is protected from accidents and unintentional damages.

• intentional damage

In some cases, offended employees or malefactors who got into the server room can disable the USB port or infect equipment with ransomware, which will lead to equipment malfunction or breakage.

• personal harm

Data centers have limited access for a reason. Cable routing occupies a lot of places, and it is no wonder that someone can trip over them. Thus, only professional employees, which are authorized to conduct maintenance, have access to them. However, even they are not protected from facing such a problem.

• climate control

As for climate control, optimal temperature conditions are maintained in server rooms. However, programs or mechanisms may fail to provide the required climate control in the premises, which will inevitably cause server functioning. Also, if someone leaves the door open, this leads to changes in climatic conditions. As a result, a climate control system starts working differently to optimize humidity and temperature.

• data theft

Someone can simply pluck out a hard drive from the server rack and take it away.

To avoid these cases, one should arrange proper data center protection.

How to Protect?

Below, let’s find out which type of locks are used to secure server racks. There are several ways how to ensure sufficient server protection. These include:

1. A key card lock

This approach implies distributing a limited number of cards among the staff. Keys for a lock are specified on these cards. Authorized people have cards and can get access to the server room upon necessity. This solution is superior to a coded lock since people use cards but they don’t know the digits for the lock. If employees are quitted, they won’t inform third parties about the code.

• Biometric locks

In this case, a limited circle of individuals can use it and pass it around. This solution is considered to be more affordable in terms of its price and serves as a good alternative to the first one if a cheaper option is required.

• Lock-and-key

This is the most primitive method to keep your server in safety. That is, the option is characterized by the lowest level of protection since keys can be lost or cut. The solution is considered outdated and is not preferable as the way to secure equipment.

• Logging server room access

Here, you can define who exactly logged in and had access to servers and at what time. In comparison with the first two options (the use of key-card and biometric locks) that can be distributed and passed around the staff, this solution provides a more personalized way of accessing data centers.

• Auto-closing door

The use of hydraulic doors or ones with spring-loaded hinges prevents unauthorized access by third-party people. Add an alarming system to the door, and you get the perfect protection of your server room. The door will automatically close. If it is open for a long period, an automatic alarm will be given to IT specialists.

• Locked rack cages

Rack cages will protect hardware, prevent physical touching and buy time if someone is trying to get servers.

It is possible to combine several solutions. For example, use hydraulic doors or key cards together with rack cages. In this case, you’ll have a two-level security system, which will make your servers even more secure.