Data centers play a crucial role in the digital landscape, underpinning essential services across various sectors including transportation, finance, healthcare, and national security. These facilities handle the data necessary for everyday transactions like payments, email communications, ticket bookings, and social media interactions. The dependence on up-to-the-minute data makes the reliable operation of data centers indispensable; any downtime could yield significant repercussions across businesses and societal functions.
The UK government has categorized data centers as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, a designation that not only underscores their importance but also facilitates approvals for the construction of new facilities. This has raised concerns, as many of these centers are energy-intensive, prompting discussions regarding the sustainability and environmental impact of such expansions.
During a recent visit to Cyberfort, a company specializing in data security, I met with Chief Digital Officer Rob Arnold. He explained that many conventional above-ground data centers are built in haste, often lacking the fortifications necessary to defend against physical threats such as extreme weather, terrorist attacks, or burglary. “There’s a common misconception that cybersecurity only involves protecting against hackers and malware,” said Arnold. “This ignores the physical security aspect, which is equally critical.”
As geopolitical tensions rise, vulnerabilities in internet infrastructure present attractive targets for what are termed “hybrid” or “cyber-physical” attacks—where cyber intrusions are executed alongside physical disruptions. This growing trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures at data centers, especially amidst scenarios like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where attacks on digital infrastructure have resulted in significant service outages.
The conflict has triggered numerous internet shutdowns in Ukraine, compelling organizations to shift their data storage to cloud services situated outside conflict zones. This has highlighted the strategic importance of secure data environments and the need for redundancy in digital asset management.
Bunkered data centers, designed to weather physical threats while maintaining operational continuity, are increasingly appealing to clients focused on security, as noted by Arnold. “It’s hard to find a more secure structure than a bunker; the clients may not survive apocalyptic scenarios, but their data will,” he remarked, encapsulating the essence of robust data center architecture.
Cyberfort primarily serves regulated industries such as defense, healthcare, and finance, emphasizing its commitment to providing secure and compliant data management solutions. Arnold elaborated, “We offer more than just hosting services—we protect the reputations of our clients.” This aspect of data security is critical as businesses navigate the potential fallout from cybersecurity incidents and data breaches.
The discussion took a turn when Cyberfort’s head of security entered, prepared to conduct a facility tour. Richard Thomas, an ex-Royal Marine, reinforced the organization’s commitment to stringent security protocols, underscoring the essential fusion of physical and cybersecurity strategies critical to safeguarding sensitive data in an increasingly complex threat environment.
