As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in data centres has never been more critical. The Uptime Institute Intelligence Report sheds light on the current state of resiliency, risk, and security within the IT and data centre sectors. Here are the key insights and takeaways that every data centre professional should be aware of:
2024 has seen a significant increase in cybersecurity incidents, with over one-third of operators experiencing substantial impacts. The primary causes of these incidents include network configuration issues, IT software vulnerabilities, and power-related problems. Interestingly, many of these issues are linked to change management processes rather than malicious attacks. This highlights the need for meticulous planning and execution of changes within data centre environments to minimise risks.
Nearly half of the operators allow third-party access to their internal networks. While this is essential for troubleshooting and service delivery, it also expands the attack surface, making data centres more vulnerable to cyber threats. To mitigate these risks, many operators are adopting zero trust frameworks. These frameworks ensure that every access request is thoroughly verified, regardless of whether it originates from inside or outside the network.
The integration of remote-control capabilities for IT and OT systems is becoming increasingly common. These capabilities enhance operational efficiency but also introduce new cyber risks, particularly for legacy systems that may not have been designed with modern security threats in mind. Data centre operators must implement stringent security measures to protect these systems from potential cyber-attacks.
A proactive approach to cybersecurity is crucial for maintaining the integrity and trust of data centre operations. Most organisations are now conducting regular cybersecurity assessments using both internal and external resources. These assessments focus on identifying vulnerabilities and implementing preventive measures to enhance overall resiliency.
By focusing on these key areas, data centre operators can enhance their resiliency against cyber threats and ensure the continued reliability and security of their operations. The insights from Uptime Institute’s latest report provide a valuable roadmap for navigating the complex landscape of data centre cybersecurity in 2024 and beyond.