The wider technology market is characterised by a move towards more comprehensive and layered security strategies. Critically, organisations have started to invest more in regulatory frameworks that are placing strong emphasis on risk assessments and real-time threat detection.
This has never been more vital within the data centre industry. As we’ve examined before, the data centre threat landscape remains complex. A data hack, or ransomware attack, could leave operators, customers and investors compromised, with threat actors having complex powers to extort or breach sensitive information or withhold services.
As a result, businesses and governments are currently working to improve their cybersecurity posture by giving data centres greater protections that safeguard vital information, which could include healthcare information, financial details or personal smartphone data.
“The data centre cybersecurity market is transforming rapidly as a result of factors such as surging data volumes, growing cloud adoption and increasingly strict regulations,” says Michael Paye, VP Research and Development at Netwrix. “Advances in technologies like generative AI (Gen AI) multiply both opportunities and risks.”
Reducing attack surfaces
Netwrix’s approach to data centre cybersecurity is to help organisations face their security posture with confidence. A key area it makes a significant impact is enhancing visibility and control over diverse IT environments.
Michael’s role at Netwrix is to guide R&D to address evolving security and compliance challenges.
“I oversee a team of fantastic engineers and researchers who are dedicated to developing solutions that protect critical assets, keeping pace with the dynamic threat landscape emerging from both traditional and cutting-edge technologies,” he says.
“Netwrix solutions integrate seamlessly across on-premises, cloud and hybrid infrastructures to provide security teams with consolidated views of activity across IT ecosystems. This integration enables more efficient monitoring, faster detection of suspicious activity and more effective response to threats.”
Another area it offers support is by helping organisations deal with the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals by developing solutions that are easy to deploy, learn and manage.
“This is so even resource-constrained organisations can build robust defences,” Micheal says. “Our partnerships with managed service providers (MSPs) and general partners further extend our capabilities, ensuring that businesses can tap into expert support while leveraging the power of our technology.”
How data centres can improve their cyber resilience
To bolster cyber resilience, Michael explains that modern data centres would benefit from adopting a multifaceted security strategy that embraces “both technological innovation and human vigilance.”
He says: “A layered security approach is essential. This includes using firewalls, advanced access controls and intrusion detection tools across every segment of the network. That way, if one barrier fails, additional safeguards remain in place to protect critical assets.”
Michael says that the second step is adhering to the principle of least privilege, highlighting: “Each user and system — especially high-risk accounts — should be granted only the minimal permissions necessary. This approach drastically reduces the attack surface and limits attackers’ options for lateral movement across the IT environment.
“Business users are the first line of defence of any organisation. Continuous training and awareness programmes for both employees and contractors can significantly reduce the risk of successful infiltration.”
Finally, he explains that developing a comprehensive incident response plan and rehearsing it regularly helps ensure that when a breach does occur, “the organisation is able to swiftly mitigate the damage and restore services.
“By integrating these measures into security planning and operations, data centres can significantly enhance their ability to withstand and recover from cyberattacks in an increasingly hostile threat landscape.”
To read the full article in the magazine, click HERE.
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