It’s common for managers of data centres to focus a large portion of their time on mitigating online threats. However, it’s important that your data centre’s physical security should not be neglected.
In this post, we explore the security fencing options available to help protect the physical security of your data centre, so that you know exactly what measures to put in place to protect your or your client’s vital assets.
Read on to find out more…
Data Centre Perimeter Fencing: Minimum Specification
If you are unsure on which high-security fence is best suited to your individual application, the team at Barker’s is more than happy to provide free, impartial advice.
We would recommend security fencing compliant with Loss Prevention Standard LPS1175 B3 (previously known as SR2) by the international certification body BRE Global, as a minimum standard.
This solution would prevent intrusion for more than three minutes by an experienced attacker with tools of a higher mechanical advantage, such as bolt cutters, claw hammers and drills.
High Security Tested Fencing For Your Data Centre
If there is a heightened risk of intrusion, perimeter fencing that offers a higher level of security is advised, and there are several solutions that provide additional testing to manage this heightened risk.
At Barker’s fencing, our main high-security systems are as follows:
- SecureGuard SL2
- StronGuard SR2
- StronGuard SR3
- StronGuard
- StronGuardRCS
Specifying a mesh or palisade system will be down to several key considerations, including:
- Aesthetic requirements: Mesh is perceived as being ‘more friendly’ looking, as opposed to palisade which looks more intimidating so the right system for you depends on what you are trying to achieve.
- Install time and ease: Palisade is often cheaper and quicker to install.
- Ground conditions: Mesh doesn’t lend itself well to uneven ground.
Should I Consider HVM Fencing for My Data Centre?
Upon risk assessment, you may also decide that you want your perimeter to provide Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM). Or if you are near to a road, you may want to protect you and your critical assets from accidental vehicle impact. Impact tested fencing or HVM fencing is a single solution that is forced entry accredited and impact tested.
HVM fencing means that you won’t need multiple solutions and that it can be installed in a single fence line, reducing installation time and costs.
Do You Need a SCEC Approved Fence?
SCEC stands for the Security Construction and Equipment Committee Centre of Protection for National Infrastructure and is the body that approves security products for use on Australia’s Critical National Infrastructure.
SCEC approved fences have been designed for installation on sites of critical national importance in Australia. The UK’s accreditation CPNI is also recognised in Australia due to the country’s alignments.
Conclusion
To recap:
- As a minimum specification, we would recommend LPS 1175 B3 (previously known as SR2) security fencing.
- A key decision will lie in whether you specify a mesh or palisade system.
- SCEC/CPNI approved fences may be required for data centres storing governmental property.
To talk more about your data centre security project, or to discuss any operational requirement you may have, don’t hesitate to arrange a free, site impartial consultation to help you decide on the best security fencing for you or your clients.
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