Strong foundations: How to get your physical data centre security right from the start

Data centres are, rightly, renowned for their physical as well as digital security. As the number of data centres is set to grow rapidly, by almost a fifth in the UK alone, how can data centre leaders ensure their security infrastructure is consistent across their portfolio, is easy to maintain, and intuitive for operators to monitor?

Moreover, as the industry scales, infrastructure alone isn’t enough. The real differentiator is the expertise behind it, the integrators who design, install, and maintain systems to consistently high standards. Without that human foundation, even the best infrastructure risks leaving cracks in your security posture.

Treat physical security and people processes with the same level of rigour as the data held inside. From careful planning at the start of a build to seamless day-to-day operation, the smallest details matter when creating a best-in-class security system across multiple locations.

Putting in place some physical security best practices that become second nature at every site development will ensure your people, processes, and infrastructure aren’t the weak link that causes unexpected downtime, or worse.

1. Build for resilience from day one

The most successful data centre security projects start with the basics done well. Clear direction from the start, for the entire project team, can make a huge difference to the ultimate success of your security installation.

Appointing a skilled integrator that assigns a dedicated project manager with an understanding both of security and the pressures of an in-build or live data centre, ensures quality from design through to operation. Backed by the right accreditations, experience and communication skills, the team gets it right first time. Working to repeatable high standards and supported by project engineers who coordinate seamlessly with other trades, for example, delivers the ‘hidden benefits’ of good people - smoother delivery and consistently high-quality outcomes.

2. Prioritise people and processes

Even the most advanced security technology is only as strong as the people behind it. If you’re lacking the right integration expertise to design, install, and maintain security systems, vulnerabilities could be introduced. Trust, vetting, and accountability are as vital to

your physical security as the cameras, VMS, access control, AI/analytics, perimeter protection and more.

This rings especially true now that data centres are formally recognised as part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Leaders need project teams who understand not only the nuances of security technology, but also the stringent standards expected across other CNI environments, where failure isn’t an option. Partnering with an integrator who can offer project management and sector expertise will help you keep your security installation running smoothly and on time. The best integrators will have project managers who have walked the line between engineering detail and big-picture delivery so nothing gets ‘designed in’ by accident. That expertise extends beyond installation. The best integrators invest in their teams and provide ongoing training and maintenance regimes, from patching vulnerabilities to updating systems, so your infrastructure never drifts out of date or develops weak points.

3. Think beyond a single site

Expansion is almost inevitable, due to demand for data centre capacity, but as your portfolio grows, you want to make sure the complexity of managing and monitoring multiple sites doesn’t increase. To avoid this, ask the right questions early on in your security implementation:

● Integration: Will my security system work seamlessly with other site technologies, as well as across multiple facilities?

If your security technologies connect seamlessly with other on-site systems, and across your wider portfolio, you create a consolidated view that’s easier to monitor and uncover data insights.

● Usability: Do operators have a consolidated “single source of truth,” or are they juggling multiple systems?

If systems aren’t intuitive, operators need more training, mistakes are more likely, and efficiency suffers.

● Maintainability: Who is installing the solution, and will they remain accountable for updates, maintenance, and cross-site consistency?

Choosing solutions that are straightforward to update and manage across multiple facilities reduces hassle, keeps total cost of ownership under control, and avoids the inefficiencies of juggling different platforms.

The same high standards need to be replicated across every facility in your portfolio. That only happens when you work with experts who can design, install, and maintain systems reliably every time.

4. Get outside expertise where needed

You don’t have to design or implement security technology alone. Choosing the right integration partner to recommend solutions, install them, manage your project end-to-end, and maintain your system afterwards takes a significant weight off your shoulders, giving you the space to focus on the bigger picture for your data centre.

Leading integrators feel like an extension of your team, safeguarding your interests and ensuring that standards never slip. Their ability to manage multiple vendors while keeping you informed is what prevents gaps and ensures your infrastructure works smoothly day to day. Vendor-agnostic integrators can recommend the best solutions for your needs without the risk of lock-in to a single ecosystem.

When choosing a partner, look for the following trustmarks: accredited in-house engineers, transparent quality controls, and recognised certifications such as Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001, and ISO 22301. These are green flags that the fundamentals will be delivered properly, without hidden vulnerabilities.

No weaknesses, no compromise

The goal for your data centre security is simple: to protect your assets effectively and efficiently, scaling to your growth and without compromising levels of security or resilience. That is only achievable when you take a clear-eyed, consistent approach to your security from the start of its implementation.

The effort you make today to invest in the right infrastructure and the right integrator team determines how secure, scalable, and resilient your data centres will be tomorrow. No weak links, no compromise. Just strong foundations and the right people from day one.

James Smith bio

James Smith is sales and marketing director of security integrator Reliance High-Tech. He has worked in the security industry for over 30 years, gaining unrivalled insight into the UK and international sectors while serving in both sales and marketing and company leadership positions.