Physical Data Security: Why It Is Important and How It Is Secure

Worldwide data is growing at a breathtaking speed. By 2025, it will reach 175 zettabytes, up from 33 in 2018. But it’s not just the data that’s growing: In 2018, hackers stole half a billion pieces of personal data—a 126 percent increase over 2017.

For companies and government agencies, these breaches can have serious financial and strategic consequences. They also often cause reputational damage and long-lasting mistrust. Numerous data breach scandals in recent years have sparked concern and heated debates about data security.

After these incidents, governments and companies have taken measures to prevent data breaches. But even as the world becomes more digital by the second, these breaches are not the only way to illegally acquire data.

Companies and individuals often secure and store sensitive and confidential information in physical form. If not properly secured, the theft of these files can lead to devastating losses. Nevertheless, data protection officers can rely on the right access control solutions to prevent or mitigate these risks.

Keeping data behind the right locks

Access to computers or websites requires a secure and complex password. Likewise, devices containing physical data must be kept under lock and key. Just as “password1234” would not protect devices and accounts from hackers, poor-quality locks would not prevent the theft of physical data.

While locking away sensitive data may seem like an intuitive action, the contents behind a lock are only as secure as their access ecosystem.

Therefore, it is essential to choose the right locks to meet the unique security requirements of each data center.

When searching for a secure lock, it is crucial to choose a product with an uncompromising focus on security. Electronic locks that feature a smart deadbolt lock with integrated connections for linking to an alarm center offer enhanced protection. In addition, locks with different hierarchy codes are particularly suitable for situations where organizational flexibility, quick response, and increased security are required.

Promoting access to the data center ecosystem

Padlocks can further strengthen the security of a data center. The most secure among them have the approval of the LPCB (Loss Prevention Council Board) and are CEN-certified. These accreditations are only available through rigorous third-party testing. This systematic recognition therefore maximizes protection and strengthens the confidence of data protection officers.

In addition, the security of sensitive files is enhanced by individually designed entrances to the data centers. Entrance systems that allow restricted access ensure that only authorized persons can enter the data center. Similarly, some entrances can track all movement within a building, a feature known as a “complete audit trail.” This feature informs security personnel about those who come into close contact with the data.

Analog security in a digital world

In the second half of the 20th century, teams of scientists, programmers, and engineers developed the Internet for military purposes. Their goal was to create an “information highway” that would be invulnerable to physical attacks in wars and disasters.

Even though this invention changed everything, the data available today on the information highway is far from invulnerable.

Despite the growing influence of data on the way governments and companies operate, physical data security will remain a fundamental component of overall data security. Choosing the right access control solutions is crucial to mitigating risks and maximizing security.