Protecting Data Centers with LiDAR Technology

Data centers have grown tremendously in recent years as a result of our rising reliance on cloud services and digital technologies, which has further heightened the significance of maintaining data security.

Lately, the primary focus of keeping our data safe has fallen into the hands of cybersecurity. In reality, physical intrusion due to unauthorized access into these data centers accounts for a large portion of threats that data centers face. No matter the size of the data center, a significant amount of data could be stolen or damaged without proper security systems in place.

To best protect data centers and the information they contain, the most effective solution is to implement a multi-layered physical security system. LiDAR technology can provide enhanced protection from the outside of the building to the server room.

Protecting perimeters

The first layer of security for data centers consists of fences and gates. Accurately securing these access points with intrusion detection systems can reduce threats by notifying the appropriate parties as soon as an intruder enters the property.

Video surveillance allows the security team to see precisely who entered the property without authorization and the exact location of where this breach took place, with ample time to respond.

Building structure security

While most data centers and server rooms do not have exterior windows or multiple entry points, the possibility of intrusion is still present. An intruder could gain access to the server room through air ducts or drilling in the walls or ceilings. LiDAR systems can reinforce existing barriers by creating virtual walls and ceilings that alert when an intruder attempts to pass through them.

Limiting building access

Limiting and controlling access to these important areas is vital. If turnstiles are used to limit access to the building, LiDAR technology allows for increased protection by creating a virtual plane above these turnstiles. If someone tries to gain entry without the proper credentials or by climbing over a turnstile, the system will trigger an alert.

Server Rooms

Server rooms are at the heart of data centers and call for the most extensive protection. The security of this room involves granting access only to those who are authorized to be inside the room and that they only have access to the areas they need to.

Different detection zones can be set so that server racks are individually protected. This would allow for an authorized person to adjust something on one rack but would trigger if they attempted to tamper with another rack. These virtual planes also allow for the size of a target object to be customized; these systems can alert if something as small as a USB drive crosses through the beam.

LiDAR sensors are able to effectively cocoon server rooms and server racks, even in complete darkness or cold environments. The virtual walls, ceilings, and floors that these 2D sensors create are customizable and allow for optimal protection of these rooms and the data within.