Data center security best practices are a crucial component of many business operations. Sure, cloud technology and integrations have helped with some of the traditional pitfalls, but data centers are still running many aspects of our digital world. Data center security threats are an ongoing concern, and any kind of breach can lead to significant loss.
Common risks include the likes of ransomware, network-based attacks, and even insider threats. In the same vein, this isn’t the whole picture, and it’s also a good example of why a layered network security infrastructure is so vital. Break into this write-up to learn about 12 data center security best practices that are pure essentials.
Key Takeaways:
- Data centers are still a critical component of today’s business operations
- Layered security is a must, combining hardware and software across every zone
- Next-generation firewalls outpace the capabilities of traditional hardware
- Rulebase management and micro-segmentation are needed to reduce overall threat exposure
- VPNs, encryption, and logging are essential to protect against evolving threats and to protect sensitive data
- Incident response plans and staff training are required to maintain efficacy in network protection for the long term
Data Center Best Practices to Remain Secure
It should be known that a multi-layered approach to security is a must. Not only because of existing and relentless threats, but also because I want to remain proactive and one step ahead of what’s coming down the line.
Cybersecurity challenges are only becoming more aggressive and complex as technology evolves, and data centers need to be at the forefront of layered protection. The data center security best practices mentioned below offer the thorough setup you need to stay safe.
1. Multi-Layered NGFW Deployment
You might as well forget about the capabilities of traditional data center firewall solutions. There’s no argument that they’ve come a long way, but the rise of next-generation firewall tech has created a new era for cybersecurity. Aside from the features available, where you deploy this hardware is an important consideration as well.
You want your NGFWs deployed across the perimeter as well as internal zones to help with your multi-layered approach. This promises benefits like effective deep packet inspection and SSL/TLS decryption with the help of traffic analysis.
2. Rule-based Management
Rule-based management with your hardware should be important to you for several reasons. Whether it’s controlling allowed network traffic or cleaning up outdated rules, careful attention is needed here.
Make sure you’re documenting every firewall rule for long-term accountability, in addition to conducting regular rule-based audits. The network security landscape is shifting, and this helps to keep you on your toes. Overall, working with a firewall rule-base works to reduce attack surfaces.
3. Micro-segmentation with Firewalls and UTM
Your data center security should be broken up into more than one section. This micro-segmentation helps to isolate workloads while delivering zone-specific security controls. When you make use of firewalls and unified threat management (UTM) policies in each zone, it works to minimize lateral movement of cyber attacks.
This best practice helps to contain any breach to limited segments, minimizing the damage that could have been caused. Taking into account how fast a breach can travel throughout your network, this practice is a must in today’s world.
4. Secure VPN and Remote Access
This might sound redundant, as even individuals make use of VPN tech, but the application in this context is a lot more sensitive. Utilizing strong encryption protocols for VPN connections shouldn’t be overlooked.
Other important angles here include multi-factor authentication, IP and port restrictions, and site-to-site VPNs for secure branch connections. Sure, remote access is great, but it needs to come with layered security like everything else.
5. Intrusion Detection and Prevention
The short version is that IDS monitors traffic and alerts, whereas IPS actively blocks threats to prevent full-blown surface attacks. Deploying these together within unified threat management is how you get wide coverage for data centers.
It’s also helpful to make use of updated signature bases and anomaly detection as well. It’s all about proactive, early detection, in addition to effective placement across perimeter and internal defense.
6. Continuous Logging
Collect logs, whether it’s from firewalls, your VPN setup, or any integrated devices. From there, it’s advisable to integrate those logs into a centralized SIEM for effective real-time analysis.
Taking this stance helps to correlate events across systems to detect complex threats. Another layer to consider here is automated alerting, as this is extremely helpful for quick incident response.
7. SSL/TLS Inspection
When you integrate SSL/TLS inspection, this should be utilized to inspect encrypted sessions at the firewall perimeter. It’s a necessary step to decrypting and scanning traffic. Once you get to post-inspection, this is where you want to focus on re-encrypting traffic for thorough privacy and compliance. Utilizing SSL/TLS inspection improves threat visibility without compromising data security.
8. Incident Response Planning
Even with a proactive approach to your hardware, zero-trust security, and multiple layers of defense, incident response is an angle that needs to be set in stone. Aside from all of the preparation in other data center best practices, you also need to have a thorough incident response plan.
For the most part, this includes many of the following factors:
- Physical security hardware and coordination tactics with personnel
- Clearly defined response roles and communication protocols
- Conducting regular audits and making changes to the plan as needed
- Taking hold of forensic evidence in case an investigation is needed
- A step-by-step response structure including detection, containment, eradication, and recovery
While you can be as proactive as possible with protecting your data center, a lot of this comes down to the hardware and tech you’re working with. It’s a good example of why we always encourage businesses to work with the most reliable network security providers on the market.
The Bottom Line
You might be using some or all of these examples, but if you’re managing data centers and this information is brand new, it’s time to start planning. This is especially true considering the modern landscape of cybersecurity challenges, which are only becoming more clever and complex.
It’s understandable if you feel like you aren’t sure where to start, as there’s plenty of support available. Get in touch with our team at Firewalls to learn how you can effectively integrate these data center security best practices into your organization.
