Increasing Safety and Physical Security in Data Centers
Five technologies that can make a difference in protecting critical data
In today’s hyperconnected world, any threat to data systems could ripple across borders, disrupting national security, economic stability, and public safety. As a result, protecting our data infrastructure has become a top priority for governments and enterprises alike—and at the front line of this battle is the security industry.
Data as Critical Infrastructure
As the world increasingly relies on digital platforms to power everything from commerce to communication, data centers have become the nerve centers of modern civilization. In just the past 10 years, the sum of the world’s data has grown from 15 zettabytes to more than 180 zettabytes (for reference, one zettabyte equals 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 bytes).
Governments and businesses recognize data centers are part of their critical infrastructure and must be secured from both physical and cyber threats. For the security managers responsible for these data centers, it's clear: perimeter security and asset management are more important today than ever.
The Challenge: Securing Expansive, High-Value Targets
Physical and perimeter security are non-negotiable for today’s data centers. With some clusters supporting critical infrastructure for enterprises and governments worldwide, these facilities must be protected around the clock. Yet, securing them is no small feat. Data centers are often located in vast, remote areas with sprawling perimeters—making them prime targets for physical intrusion and sabotage. A single security breach can be catastrophic, resulting in data loss, operational downtime, and reputational damage.
To meet these challenges head-on, FLIR developed multilayered situational awareness solutions that allow security managers to rapidly perceive, process, and respond in dynamic environments. This proactive security framework not only reacts to threats but actively prevents them from escalating.
Multilayered security integrates intelligent imaging and sensing solutions with tools that continuously enhance action and response, including ground-based radar and UVMS with enhanced analytics plus device-to-device communication. The following are 5 solutions and technologies engineered to deliver comprehensive protections.
1.
Perimeter Surveillance with Ground-Based Radar
First to consider is how to protect a data center's perimeter. This is where ground-based radar technology has the advantage.
Far beyond the fence line, radar can dynamically map human and vehicle movement, delivering early warnings of threats and improving intruder tracking.
The FLIR Elara R-290 radar (or in Europe, the R-190) enables data center security personnel to accurately detect and track people at a range of up to 200 meters (656 ft) and vehicles up to 400 meters (1312 ft) away in virtually any climate, weather, or lighting condition.
Ground-based radar can show its true advantages when combined in a layered approach with thermal and/or visual security cameras, especially when they have FLIR Nexus® on board.
Nexus enables devices to communicate geodata to other Nexus devices for seamless handoffs during continuous tracking. This can allow a security team to cover 180 degrees from one location, for example, using just a thermal security camera and two flat-panel radars. And since Nexus devices allowing for alarm scheduling and zone configuration, three products working together could detect and track any potential threat 24/7, in any conditions.
Key Benefit: Early threat detection beyond the fence line with real-time tracking.
2.
FLIR FH-Series ID Multispectral Fixed Camera for Perimeter Protection
Multispectral Imaging for All Conditions
Built to complement any perimeter system, the ruggedized, multispectral fixed FLIR FH-Series ID camera houses our best thermal and visible sensors in a single unit, to provide the best security in all conditions.
FH-Series ID cameras are among many new FLIR security thermal and visible cameras that feature FLIR's onboard DNN analytics. This enables higher detection precision, classification accuracy, geolocation of targets, and resilience against false alarms along a data center’s fence line.
Key Benefit: Reliable detection in any lighting or weather condition.
3.
Advanced Video Analytics for Real-Time Alerts
The third layer of data center defense is advanced video analytics that are designed to detect and classify intrusions in real time and notify security personnel of unauthorized vehicles and humans.
A PIDS outfitted with FLIR video analytics enables users to track targets and disseminate instant alerts for continuous, real-time threat prevention.
Key Benefit: Automated threat classification and instant alerting.
4.
FLIR Cameleon V5 Perimeter Intrusion Detection Software
Centralized Intrusion Detection Software
The fourth layer, supported by the FLIR Cameleon V5, features enhanced cyber security and a user-friendly interface to equip security operators with versatile and powerful edge device integration, target tracking hand-off, forensic-quality image processing, and global administration.
Using military-grade radar, multispectral cameras, best-in-class video analytics, and powerful VMS from end-to-end, each of these devices ensure data center perimeters are covered from all angles.
Key Benefit: Seamless integration and centralized control of all security assets.
5.
Interior Security Solutions
The fence line, however, is not the only area in need of surveillance. For points of entry, indoor environments, server rooms, and more, evidentiary-class indoor security cameras are the right solution.
For example, the FLIR Quasar series of 5 MP HD and 4K UHD visible and IR-illumination cameras deliver superior image quality for use in critical infrastructure sites. The mini-dome model is a discreet surveillance option that is NDAA-compliant and utilizes high-end cybersecurity safeguards.
Key Benefit: High-quality, secure indoor monitoring for critical infrastructure.
FLIR Quasar Premium Mini-Dome
End-to-End Protection for the Digital Age
By combining radar, multispectral imaging, advanced analytics, and centralized software, FLIR delivers a comprehensive security ecosystem for data centers. These solutions empower security teams with actionable insights, reduce false alarms, and help prevent costly downtime or breaches.
In an era where data is infrastructure, FLIR ensures that the digital backbone of the global economy remains protected—inside and out.
