Data Center Security Checklist

Utilize the Data Center Security Checklist to assess and fortify security measures, ensuring comprehensive protection of sensitive data and infrastructure.

Data Center Security Checklist



Contractors

1. Are third-party suppliers or contractors ever allowed to enter the data center unaccompanied?


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2. If so, is the data center willing to share the relevant supplier information with customers?


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3. Are third-party engineers and contractors accredited or vetted to any required standards?


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4. Are customers able to access basic information on supplier agreements, authorisation levels, and any policies and processes in place to control and monitor their activity within the data center?


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Flexibility

1. Can the data center provide assurances as to which staff will have access to customer racks and cages (e.g. background-checked personnel only)?


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2. Is it possible to block access to data center staff entirely (unless a health and safety risk is detected)?


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3. Is the data center willing and able to provide dedicated caged areas where necessary?


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4. Can the data center offer bespoke rack security as a lower-cost alternative to caged areas (such as individual biometric scanners or card readers)?


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5. Is there a wider range of services (such as cloud and DR) that allow customers to use the facility to meet other IT objectives besides security?


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Accreditations

1. Is the data center compliant with ISO27001 (the international standard for information security management)?


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2. Is the data center compliant with any other required standards such as PCI DSS?


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3. Are high quality CCTV systems installed, with live monitoring where required?


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4. Are security personnel background-checked/approved by industry bodies such as the SIA?


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Building Security

1. Are there a wide range of access controls in place (such as perimeter fences, infrared tripwires, swipe cards, biometric scanners and mantraps)?


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2. Are the access controls configured to provide multi-factor authentication?


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3. Are data center halls windowless, with the minimum safe number of entry points?


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4. Are the racks and cages in the data center kept anonymous?


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5. Is access to racks and cages controlled by electronic locks or keys?


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6. If keys are used, where are they stored? Is access controlled and monitored?


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7. Is access to sensitive areas in the data center monitored via 24-hour CCTV?


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8. Is CCTV monitoring carried out by an on-site NOC?


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9. In the event of a break-in, would security staff be compromised (and become part of the incident) or would they be able to react to it?


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10. Is the data center directly linked to police control rooms?


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Policies And Processes

1. Is a suitable process in place for customers to grant and remove access to their racks and cages for both internal and external personnel?


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2. Are access records kept up to date and retained for the required length of time?


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3. Are data center staff granted access to halls, racks and cages on a need-only basis?


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4. Are visitors to the data center accompanied by staff or tenants at all times unless authorized by a person with any relevant credentials?


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5. Are third-party engineers and contractors required to gain access through the NOC, and is the authorisation process secure?


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6. Are ID badges used to differentiate between data center staff and visitors?


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7. Are badges assigned and managed by a suitable authority (e.g. NOC)?


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8. How thorough are the data center’s ID checks and security induction for new customers? Do staff sound confident in their own procedures?


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9. Is the movement of equipment in and out of the data center controlled and monitored?


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Staff

1. Is the data center able to offer an audit-friendly service, and answer a full range of auditors’ questions and produce certifications?


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2. Are data center staff able to share general advice around data center security and compliance?


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3. Are senior security personnel based at the data center itself rather than a remote site?


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4. Are the data center staff required to undergo background checks where necessary?


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5. Are they sensitive to customer’s confidentiality requirements (not disclosing customer names as part of a sales pitch, for example)?


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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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