Worldwide data is growing at a staggering rate. By 2025, it’ll reach 175 zettabytes, from 33 in 2018. However, it’s not just the data that’s growing: In 2018, hackers stole half a billion personal records — a 126 percent jump from 2017.
For companies and government institutions, these breaches might have severe financial and strategic consequences. They also often cause reputational damage and a long-lasting mistrust. Numerous data breach scandals over the last few years sparked concern and fervent debates about data security.
Following these incidents, governments and companies have been taking action to prevent data breaches. However, even though the world is increasingly digital by the second, these breaches aren’t the only way to acquire data illegally.
Companies and individuals often back up and store sensitive and confidential information in physical forms. If not safeguarded correctly, the theft of these files can result in devastating losses. Nevertheless, data protection officers can tap into the right access control solutions to prevent or reduce these risks.
Keeping the Data Stored Behind the Right Locks
Access to computers or websites requires a secure and complex password. Likewise, the devices containing physical data must be under lock and key. However, in the same way that password1234 wouldn’t protect devices and accounts from hackers, poor-quality locks might not stop the physical data theft.
While locking away sensitive data might seem like an intuitive action, the contents behind a lock are only as safe as their access ecosystem.
Hence, it’s imperative to choose the right locks to meet the unique safety needs of each data center.
When seeking a secure lock, it’s crucial to select a product with an uncompromising focus on security. Electronic locks, which feature an intelligent motor-bolt lock, with integrated terminals connecting to an alarm center, provide enhanced protection. Furthermore, locks with different hierarchy codes are especially suitable for situations when organizational flexibility, fast response, and increased security are necessary.
Boosting the Data Center’s Access Ecosystem
Padlocks can further strengthen the security of a data center. The safest of them have the approval of the LPCB (Loss Prevention Council Board) and are CEN-rated. These accreditations are only acquirable through rigorous third-party testing. Thus, this systematic endorsement maximizes protection and will empower the confidence of the data protection officers.
Moreover, customized entrances to data centers will glaze the security of the sensitive files. Entrance systems that provide restricted access ensure only authorized persons can walk into the data center. Similarly, some entrances can track all the movement in a building, a function called “full audit trail”. This function informs the security personnel about those who get in close contact with the data.
Analogue Safety In a Digital World
In the second part of the 20th century, teams of scientists, programmers, and engineers developed the internet for military purposes. Their goal was to create an “information highway” that would be invulnerable to physical attacks during wars and disasters.
Even though this invention changed everything, today, the data that is available on the information highway is far from invulnerable.
Despite the growing influence of data on the ways governments and businesses operate, physical data security will remain a fundamental component of overall data security. Choosing the right access control solutions is poised to mitigate the risks and maximize security.
