EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
SHEELADITYA KARMAKAR , GLOBAL OFFERING LEADER ,
ENTERPRISE ACCESS , HONEYWELL BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES
Security leaders want to improve productivity by managing building security across different locations using the resources available to them .
As security professionals , we are constantly broadening the scope of what it means to keep facilities physically secure . Data centre security leaders have additional unique challenges when it comes to creating a safer environment , not only for the people who work and visit the building but also for the property ( IP ) and assets that they house .
Data centres are looking for security solutions that leverage the latest technology and provide a layered approach to security . They want to know their assets are secure and that its security team can react quickly to new , constantly evolving security threats .
With this approach in mind , data centre leaders should consider ‘ keeping threats out ’ as merely the first step towards becoming physically secure . It ’ s important to consider the full spectrum of the building experience – from controlling and managing access , protecting high-valued areas , to staying up-to-date and compliant on all regulations .
Data centre leaders also need to consider providing reliable 24 / 7 protection , creating a healthier and safer environment for staff , managing risks and having the ability to respond quickly should any security or safety issue arise . New ways of accessing buildings , which include multi-modal authentication such as checkin apps via a mobile device or facial recognition , now allow companies to control access , ensure compliance and apply geo-fencing to restricted parts of a facility in order to manage the flows of visitors , vendors and employees .
Data centre leaders know that their success relies on maintaining customer trust and reputation , so finding the right security partner is critical . Security systems should be multi-layered with logical security and strong ID management , integrate with the latest technology , including third-parties , provide advanced analytics , have maximum cybersecurity and compliance with the latest regulations , as well as remote access and monitoring capabilities . One of the key considerations is the flexibility of the security
system to adapt to changing regulations / compliance – case in point – the way we occupy a building during the pandemic is different across regions .
While traditionally , most security concerns for a
building are driven by whether someone is allowed inside a facility who could be a potential security threat to the organisation , that perspective needs to evolve . Customers are no longer looking for only a physical security , access control or intruder management solution .
Now , they are looking at security solutions in terms of the outcomes they want to achieve . Security leaders want to improve productivity by managing building security across different locations using the resources available to them . At the same time , they want to upgrade to solutions that can help them react to situations and incidents faster by improving their situational awareness and reducing response time .
Data centre leaders should consider ‘ keeping threats out ’ as merely the first step towards becoming physically secure .
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