Physical security deserves more attention in the digital infrastructure landscape and rethinking physical access is key to building resilience in data centres, argues Brian Sofley, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland Door Group.
Data centres in the UK have a vital role in keeping the country’s digital, financial and government systems online. With 39 per cent of the UK market seeing cyber attacks linked to physical security breaches and 31 per cent of data centres reporting unauthorised access attempts, the demand for strong security measures is growing.
In 2023, physical breaches accounted for 28 per cent of catastrophic data events, pushing data centres to invest in integrated security solutions to reduce risks and provide operational resilience. Metal theft is also a growing problem for the industry with sites being targeted repeatedly, even after cables are replaced.
Protecting against intrusion
Security doors play a vital role in protecting physical boundaries of data centres as these environments often contain sensitive information, expensive infrastructure and equipment critical to national and commercial operations. A physical breach can have significant consequences, from service outages to data loss, not to mention reputational damage.
By resisting forced entry, security doors act as a deterrent as well as a physical de-fence. For facilities that operate with minimal staffing or those that rely on remote monitoring, a secure door can slow down or prevent unauthorised access long enough for response teams to be alerted and act. This is particularly important for sites that are not in constant use.
Security rated solutions such as ASSA ABLOY Powershield steel doors, are tested to standards including LPS 1175 and can be tailored to site specific threat levels, helping operators align physical protection with their security strategies.
Electromagnetic security
Every electronic device emits electromagnetic radiation and at data centre sites, this carries sensitive information. Leaked signals can be intercepted and exploited meaning hackers and intelligence agencies could potentially reconstruct and steal sensitive information.
A more advanced threat, known as TEMPEST attacks, involves the use of electromagnetic leaks for covert surveillance on electronic devices, making it a critical concern for data centres and other high security environments.
Shielded enclosures, such as Faraday cages, block electromagnetic signals by using conductive materials that prevent signal leakage. Electromagnetic emanation resistant doors, such as the ASSA ABLOY TEMPEST Door, pictured, are specifically designed to prevent signal escape from secure rooms. Additionally, RF filtering and grounding helps minimise unwanted emissions from power and data lines, while TEMPEST approved equipment is engineered to reduce electromagnetic radiation and ensure compliance with security standards.
No two facilities are exactly the same and so ASSA ABLOY Door Group provides tailored solutions designed for specific operational needs and threat levels of each site.
For perimeter, plant room or operations hall use, Powershield steel doors deliver robust resistance to physical attack and reduce risk of fire spread. Internally, such as office areas or circulation corridors, Safeguard timber doors offer equally high security; and this is complimented by the SMARTec timber door range offering fire and acoustic performance, both with finishes that support environment aesthetics. For sensitive lo-cations such as UPS rooms or generator halls, acoustic or blast rated doors provide added protection and control.
Durability
While not open to the public, doors in data centres are used constantly, particularly those within equipment rooms, corridors, plant spaces and emergency exits. This continuous usage puts stress on door hardware over time.
Durable door hardware including hinges, closers and handles are not just an asset used to avoid failure. They also maintain the protective functions doors are designed to perform, be that fire resistance, acoustic isolation or security control.
Fire safety and compliance
In data centre facilities, fire risk doesn’t just pose a threat to people and equipment. It also presents serious physical security concerns. A fire can weaken building structures, disable security systems and force emergency evacuations that can create vulnerabilities in perimeter control. If a fire door fails to perform as intended, a fire can be-come a point of physical compromise.
Reliable fire doors help protect escape routes and emergency access points, keeping them secure while remaining operational under threats. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are essential as if a fire door does not close fully or is warped from wear, it not only fails compliance but weakens overall site security.
Asset Management
Ensuring a traceable link between the design, specification, manufacture, installation and ongoing maintenance of door solutions is increasingly important in the data centre sector. Where uptime is essential and compliance is highly regulated, a well-documented and coordinated approach to physical infrastructure is integral for long term resilience.
