Electronics Protection - September/October 2013 - (Page 14)

Feature Using Electronic Locking Solutions to Secure Enclosures And Meet Storage Compliance Needs Steve Spatig, General Manager of the Electronic Access Solutions Division, Southco Information security has developed significantly in recent years, resulting in more robust networks and data storage methods. While cyber attacks continue to be a key concern for IT managers, enhancing the actual physical protection of that data has become a major priority as well. Regulations affecting the data storage industry are driving IT managers to enhance the physical protection of data and IT equipment stored at the cabinet level. Industry regulations have broadened the focus on data protection to also address a need for monitoring and recording physical access activity. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), for instance, is a set of guidelines that affects the facilities that store confidential financial data. PCI DSS is closely followed by credit card companies in the US, who establish their own steep penalties and fines for violations of the standard. Because failure to meet requirements for data protection can nearly triple the cost of investing in a compliant security infrastructure, many IT managers are replacing traditional mechanical locks with intelligent electronic locking mechanisms. These electronic locking solutions offer remote monitoring and audit trail capabilities and can be integrated into a datacenter’s existing security system or operate as a separate, fully-networked system, allowing physical access to be controlled from a facility’s perimeter down to the equipment that stores the data. Benefits of Electronic Access Electronic locks offer a streamlined and highly effective security solution that layers physical latching with electronic intelligence. Using a facility’s current security network, IT managers can remotely monitor activity per server cabinet and have access to digital audit trails of information, two critical elements for avoiding the risk of non-compliance. An advanced security infrastructure also prevents system downtime from unauthorized access and offers an efficient solution for preventing physical security incidents from occurring at the rack level. Remote monitoring and digital access records are significantly changing how high-level security is applied to datacenter management. In contrast to mechanical lock and key systems, electronic access solutions provide better control and offer the convenience of on- and off-site monitoring. IT managers can immediately respond to a security breach if and when it occurs, and can access electronic records to forensically recreate activity for any networked enclosure. Captured in real time, these records or electronic signatures provide important details about date, time, user credentials and duration of entry for each activity. These records can then be used to demonstrate compliance with key regulations such as PCI DSS, HIPAA and the HITECH Act. 14 Improving Security with Electronic Access Solutions An electronic access solution combines three integral elements into one cohesive security system. Each complete solution includes an access control or input device, an electromechanical lock or latch, and remote monitoring capabilities. The access device, or user interface, signals the intelligent latch to lock or unlock a cabinet. Upon actuation, a digital record of activity is created and archived for future audit trail reporting. Local alerts are also provided with visual indicators or audible alarms. Electromechanical locks are a primary component of any electronic access solution, allowing networked access control through the validation of user credentials. It is imperative that the appropriate intelligent locking device is selected, as the entire security system is dependent upon the lock’s function. Electronic locks can be integrated with a variety of access control devices depending on the application and desired level of protection. For example, digital keypads and RFID proximity card readers can be used with an electronic lock as can biometric readers and electronic key systems. The ability to customize access control allows the IT manager to easily upgrade an existing security infrastructure with minimal disruption to existing systems. For example, personnel ID badges are often connected to a prox card system for building access. Access control can be extended down to the rack level by using the current credentials to establish access privileges across applications. The future of electronic locking is promising and may bring additional opportunities for further advancements in how data and equipment are managed. For instance, EAS can be used to independently monitor multiple cabinets linked under one IP address using a single access controller. The ability to track access via smartphone is another emerging technology that leverages the widespread availability of Bluetooth-enabled devices. Conclusion Rack-level electronic access solutions address the increasing need for physical security of the confidential data stored within a datacenter. Integrating electronic access control can streamline security spending by eliminating the need for on-site personnel and reduce the time and resources required for managing physical keys. Remote monitoring and audit trail capabilities provided by electronic locking solutions offer real time access information and control to create a compliant security infrastructure that provides physical and logical protection of data and resources. 1 “The True Cost of Compliance,” Research report by Ponemon Institute LLC, January 2011. For more information visit www.Southco.com. September/October 2013 www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com http://www.Southco.com http://www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Electronics Protection - September/October 2013

Geist Unveils Rapid Deployment Data Center Environmental Monitoring System
Enabling Effective Thermal Management with DCIM
Predicting Gasket Performance: SE Measurements with a TEM Cell to Study Gasket Reliability
Rack Containment 101
The Nine Core Elements of DCIM
Using Electronic Locking Solutions to Secure Enclosures and Meet Storage Compliance Needs
Hammond’s HJ Series Ticks All the Boxes
Rogers Introduces Poron SlimGrip Foam
Ferrite Suppressors Clear Interference
Fujipoly Thermal Sheets are a Cooling Influence on LED Lighting
GE Introduces TLE Series UPS Platform
Gore PolyVent XL Improves Reliability of Large Outdoor Enclosures
IMI Sensors Launches Linear Adjust Mechanical Vibration Switch
Industry News
Calendar of Events
Five Ways to Realize Server Room Profitability

Electronics Protection - September/October 2013