We live in a technology-driven world, and almost every part of our lives depends on data availability. Keeping data safe and accessible to ensure the flow of business operations has never been so important. IT environments keep getting more complex, so protecting sensitive data from cyber threats is harder than ever. Keeping servers on-premises has its advantages, but the security benefits of colocation can offer something more.
If you’re having nightmares about data breaches…you’re not alone. Looking into colocation for soothing concerns is something many organizations do nowadays. This article explores the security benefits of colocation and why it suits companies in data-intensive sectors. We also cover the extra benefits of trusting a colocation provider with your data. Let’s dig in.
Security Concerns of On-Prem Data Centers
On-premises data centers give organizations more granular control over data and systems. Companies can access and change them instantly whenever needed. On-premises solutions also allow a great degree of customizability, including for security. That can be great, but there are concerns to consider.
Having a server room on the premises gives you the advantage of control. However, this control comes with a great deal of responsibility that can become an unnecessary burden on your team. Even the smallest mistake or sloppiness can lead to disaster, putting data security and uptime at risk. Setting up completely impenetrable networks is an expectation that’s just too optimistic. A broad range of security strategies can, however, provide more safety. It can also spare a business the surprise of an “impenetrable” network with a hidden vulnerability.
Most on-premises server rooms lack the robust, multi-layer security measures of a colocation data center. However, the security benefits of colocation go even beyond these advantages. Let’s look at them in more detail.
The Undeniable Security Benefits of Colocation
Extensive Physical Security Control
The security benefits of colocation start with broad physical security measures that on-prem setups can’t match. Most threats, like ransomware and DDoS attacks, don’t require anyone to enter the data center or server room. Nevertheless, even though they are relatively rare, physical access threats can cause significant damage.
Colocation data centers have physical security protocols at many different levels. Typically, there’s biometric access control to ensure that unauthorized individuals can’t enter the building. Biometric physical security control can involve fingerprint and retina scans and face or palm recognition. This rules out, for example, the possibility of an intrusion due to a lost access card getting into unauthorized hands.
Of course, there’s 24/7 surveillance, recording every activity on cameras in case anything happens. Trained security professionals provide another layer of security, handling situations promptly and reporting anything that’s unusual.
In the case of on-premises server rooms, this level of physical security is, in most cases, impossible to achieve.
Redundancy
The security benefits of colocation don’t end with the extensive physical security measures a colocation facility can provide. The next great advantage is redundancy. Colocation data centers typically have several backup power sources, uninterruptible power supplies, and backup generators. Together, they keep systems available if a power outage occurs. And because interruptions can cost a lot, the security and redundancy offered by colocation can save your business money.
Cooling is another important element contributing to redundancy. Servers need stable temperature and humidity levels to run efficiently and safely. Overheating can lead to equipment failure, which puts data and mission-critical operations at risk.
Redundant connections to multiple service providers also reduce the risk of network failures in colocation data centers.
Compliance Standards
Companies familiar with on-premises server rooms might initially find the idea of storing important data off-site uncomfortable. However, the broad compliance possibilities are among the hard-to-ignore security benefits of colocation. Colocation facilities have to follow different regulations. They typically offer compliance with industry standards like SOC for security, availability, and confidentiality. Some also offer PCI-DSS, GDPR, ISO, and HIPAA compliance, so clients can meet regulatory obligations when they migrate sensitive data.
Uptime
Downtime can be devastating for a business. It costs revenue, and the reputational damage can send unsatisfied customers elsewhere.
According to the Uptime Institute’s 2023 report, the leading causes of downtime are power and network-related. One of the biggest security benefits of colocation is its design for high availability. The multiple layers of backup, cooling, and network connectivity ensure that your business doesn’t experience downtime. This level of reliability is impossible to achieve in an on-premises server room.
High-Security Networking
Colocation can offer the possibility of setting up intricate networking configurations with the guarantee of safety. Colocation data centers offer outstanding connectivity services. With them, you can connect data centers, cloud, and on-premises servers privately and securely.
Managed Security Services
Data breaches are nightmare material for anyone running a business, regardless of size. However, a bigger company can recover from a breach. Small and even medium-sized businesses often have to shut down completely because of the high costs of data breaches.
What are the security benefits of colocation? Managed security services can fortify the protection of your infrastructure. Providers offer preventative measures such as server monitoring, managed firewall, managed UTM, DDoS mitigation services, and compliance certifications. These keep threats out and your operations safe.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Services
And last but not least, a company has to have a strategy in case things don’t go as planned. Even with all security measures in place, incidents happen occasionally. At that moment, a quick response is critical. That is impossible without disaster recovery and business continuity strategies ready for the worst-case scenarios. Partnering with the right colocation data center can help you plan for unforeseen incidents and protect your business’s future.
Security Benefits of Colocation for Data-Heavy Sectors
The security benefits of colocation are becoming even more emphasized in companies with data-intensive workloads. An on-site server room can hardly match the security features of colocation facilities. The company has to provide every security aspect from its own resources. The sophisticated security of a colocation data center greatly decreases the risk of data breaches.
Ensuring the security of sensitive data takes a comprehensive approach. Making sure that data stays confidential requires the state-of-the-art redundancy of a colocation data center. Unlike with an on-premises solution, colocation offers data-intensive companies the safety belt of redundancy. Data-intensive sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and telecommunications need redundant security for their mission-critical data. Applications then run smoothly even if an unexpected outage or failure occurs.
Choosing the Right Colocation Provider is Key for the Safety of Your Business
Systems are fragile in a landscape of evolving threats, so the security benefits of colocation matter more than ever. Even with the best equipment and teams, on-site server rooms can’t match the multi-layered infrastructure of colocation data centers. Redundancy is key for safety. Choosing a colocation provider who can guarantee your security is not something to ignore, especially for companies with data-intensive workloads.
Volico Data Centers offers highly secure, scalable, redundant colocation facilities. They give your business the security benefits it needs to keep sensitive information safe and operations running. With our managed security services, you can rest assured that we guard your infrastructure 24/7 against all possible threats.
