Security in the computer and server room

Security in the computer and server room

The IT racks in the computer and server room should never be left unattended. Keep in mind that your IT infrastructure is the nerve center of your company. Finally, all company-important data is stored on the server, storage and backup systems. If a malfunction may occur within the IT infrastructure, this would have serious consequences for the entire company.

Possible catastrophes in the server room

A technical defect, for example caused by a faulty power supply, can cause a fire in the EDP / server room. Even an unrecognized hotspot in the 19 inch cabinet can be the cause of a possible fire. Therefore, it is always important to ensure sufficient air conditioning of the server equipment in the IT rack. Take precautions in terms of server room security and install suitable temperature sensors, airflow sensors and smoke detectors.

Another risk in the server room: water leakage

A water hazard can be caused, for example, by defective water cooling of the 19 "server cabinet. If water comes in contact with power cables, plugs or penetrates power distribution units (PDUs) or other electronic devices, a short circuit will be caused in the server room or data center. A defective heat exchanger also poses a risk of possible water flooding. The risk of devastating water damage, caused by leaking water pipes or valves, must also be taken into account in the "server room security" checklist.  Also air conditioning systems can release larger amounts of water-containing liquids / condensate. So a defective pump or leaking condensate tank can cause considerable annoyance in the server room or data center.

The raised floor in the server room / data center should also be monitored. Too high relative humidity (RH) in the raised floor may favor the formation of puddles. Water can also penetrate through the ceiling of the server room, a suitable water sensor cable should also be installed on top of the 19 inch computer racks. If there are social rooms, tea kitchens or toilets on the same floor, a suitable leakage detector should be mounted at the entrance door to the EDP and server room. That acid leaking out of the battery packs of the UPS system can also cause an electrical short-circuit should be familiar to any IT manager or facility engineer.

Precautionary measures for the computer and server room

"Better safe than sorry" is the old wisdom. Appropriate precautionary measures should therefore be taken in relation to the security of mission-critical server room and data center infrastructure. By installing IP-based remote monitoring devices and associated SNMP enabled sensors, possible catastrophes and sudden onset of risks can be reduced. The manufacturer Didactum offers professional solutions for server room monitoring. Since end of 2012, Didactum develops Ethernet based monitoring units and IP sensors at the Muenster site (Germany).

Didactum`s IT infrastructure monitoring products are manufactured by specialized suppliers within the European Union.

With the budget-friendly Ethernet based Monitoring System 50 (LINK: https://www.didactum-security.com/en/didactum-monitoring-system/monitoring-equipment/monitoring-system-50.html), a fully SNMPv1 / v2c / v3 compatible remote monitoring device, customer receive a professional solution for security monitoring of smaller computer & server rooms. Equipped with up to 2 different intelligent sensors, this networked environmental and security monitoring device can detect risks and hazards, such as over-temperature or water leakage, already in their development phase.

Notifications and alerts from the EDP and server rooms are reported by this remote monitoring unit via e-mail, via SMS (via e-mail to SMS Gateway) and also in the form of SNMP traps. Each intelligent sensor connected to the monitoring device can also be queried directly by SNMP Monitoring Tools or Network Management Systems (NMS). With the support of the included MIB files and templates, the integration of a temperature or leakage monitoring under Nagios & Co. is easy.

SNMP-compatible automation and building monitoring software is also supported by Didactum IT security technology. For the non-stop monitoring of larger server room and data center infrastructure, manufacturer Didactum offers the high-performance remote monitoring systems of the series 100/400/500.

In addition to a larger number of environmental, security and power monitoring sensors, these remote monitoring units can be equipped with optional extension units. In addition to sensor boxes for 8 additional IP sensors, dry contact expansion units for the Ethernet connection of digital contacts are also available. Furthermore, each 100/400/500 IT monitor can be equipped with an internal GSM modem for the purpose of sending SMS alerts. A GSM plugin for Nagios and Nagios derivatives is also available.

Take the security of your server room or data center into your own hands.

Trust the proven monitoring solutions from Didactum!

Do you have questions regarding the important issue of server room security?

Just call +49 2501.9785880 or use our contact form.

We are happy to inform you.