Data centre security: Silent threats, loud warnings 

UK data centre security standards are falling short, writes Philip Ingram MBE – reflecting growing concerns among experts.

UK data centre security standards face mounting scrutiny as breaches continue to expose critical vulnerabilities.

These facilities should protect our most sensitive information almost flawlessly – and threat actors target these facilities because they support critical infrastructure and countless businesses.

The stakes for data centre physical security couldn’t be higher. 

If an attack occurs, organisations can suffer financial losses from breaches as well as regulatory fines and reputational damage.

A complete data centre security system must therefore protect against unauthorised access, theft and cyber-threats through both physical and logical measures.

Whilst data centres use advanced security tech, experts are warning that UK facilities lag global standards – especially when you must blend physical, personnel and cybersecurity protocols together. 

A worrying gap 

According to the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: “Data centres operating in the UK will be required to have tougher security and resilience measures to protect against potential disruption – including cyber-attacks and extreme weather events – under new plans drawn up by the UK government.”  

The UK government has found major security weaknesses in the nation’s data infrastructure; its report, discussed in a post by A&O Shearman, reveals that these are posed by “various actors and events”. Threats range from cyber-attacks and physical threats to insider misuse and equipment failures.

Supply chain vulnerabilities, hostile ownership and natural hazards also pose risks. This exposes a worrying gap between the UK’s current protections and international standards. 

The previous UK government’s Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, stressed the need to act: “Data is an increasingly important driver of our economic growth and plays a pivotal role across our public services.

“Ensuring companies storing it have the right protections in place to limit risks from threats such as cyber-attacks and extreme weather, will help us reap the benefits and give businesses peace of mind”. 

Sir Oliver Dowden – when he was in government – highlighted national security implications: “Protecting the security and resilience of data in the UK is of the utmost importance and protecting both the public and our national infrastructure from attack is crucial.

“We need a whole of society approach, with the public and private sector working in tandem to strengthen our defences”. 

The government’s assessment reveals a deeper issue: Commercial incentives don’t always match the national interest.

This shows basic gaps in how companies prioritise and regulate data centre security across the sector.  

The UK’s data centre security regulations lag stronger international frameworks. The government’s analysis shows that “there are inconsistencies and gaps across the sector”, when compared to global standards.

Officials have “compared its approach to that of other countries which have legislated for data centre security and resilience”.

They recognise the need to match or surpass these standards to stay competitive globally. 

The cost of poor security hits hard 

As numerous sources highlight, outages can cost the industry billions per year. Better standards make economic sense and the government believes its proposed framework would be “proportionate and beneficial for the UK sector, its reputation and attractiveness.”

Current standards not only risk security, but look set to damage Britain’s position in the global digital economy. 

These proposals arrive at a key moment. As noted by TechUK CEO Julian David: “We commend the UK government for recognising the vital role of the data centres sector in underpinning our digital economy.”

All the same, many experts say regulatory changes must address ongoing vulnerabilities. According to The Stack: “British security agencies have spotted seven critical risk areas that make UK data centres vulnerable to threats.”  

This comes from guidance published by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and National Protection Security Authority (NPSA). Many facilities don’t meet international security standards because of these weak points. 

UK data infrastructure also faces risks from foreign ownership. The governments of Russia and China reportedly have legal rights to access data/force organisations to help them.

The NPSA cautions that “if a data centre you use is open to foreign direct investment, shareholders from a country hostile to the UK may gain greater influence over operational decisions, including security-related ones”. 

Ultimately, many facilities still need better physical security. The NPSA suggests using “a risk-based layered approach to security” with the “3Ds philosophy” to ‘Deter, Detect and Delay’ attackers.

UK data centres need more protection against “hostile reconnaissance” and better “cable pit security”. 

Meet-Me Rooms (MMRs) serve as connection points for communications service providers and remain vulnerable.

“An especially important high-risk target is the Meet-Me Room, the central hub for interconnection,” industry analysis by Telehouse.ca points out. The NPSA outlines key points for MMR security that include “access control”, “screening processes” and “asset destruction” policies. 

“Ineffective leadership and governance structures” and “lack of role-based risk assessment” additionally create internal weak points.

Data centre operators must also “implement resilient access controls, limiting access to sensitive data and systems based on the principle of least privilege”. 

Organisations depend on suppliers for products, systems and services. The NPSA also states that “Securing the supply chain can be difficult because vulnerabilities are inherent and can be introduced and exploited at any point”.

The government wants to add more supply chain security rules for Operators of Essential Services under the NIS regime. 

Data centres face varied threats that need an integrated approach combining “physical, personnel and cyber security into a single strategy”.

Many facilities use outdated systems that, according to ghd.com, “often lack built-in security features and are no longer supported by suppliers”. 

Data centres must deal with “hazards such as human error and extreme weather” beyond security threats, according to UK government reports.

The government sees “limited information-sharing and cooperation across industry” which makes it hard to tackle these risks.

Facilities often lack full disaster preparedness plans, including backup power systems with enough fuel reserves. Security gaps exist in physical security, cyber-protections, staff screening and supply chain monitoring. 

Practical solutions 

“The UK faces a critical junction where regulatory frameworks must adapt to match the essential nature of data infrastructure,” says Michael Kelly, Director of the Centre for Infrastructure Protection.

“Failure to do so will undoubtedly result in more breaches with greater consequences”. The NCSC’s findings support this view.

Its reports shows that “nearly 40% of UK data facilities lack integrated security protocols that meet minimum international standards”.  

Solutions exist to tackle these challenges. Data centres, now classified as critical national infrastructure, mark a key first step.

More work needs to be done. Mandatory compliance frameworks like SOC 2/3 certification would set verified baseline protections and create accountability in the sector.  

What is evident from many comments and papers is that ‘with every security breach, the economic case for stronger standards becomes more evident’.

Organisations have been spending more recovering from incidents than they would have spent if they were to implement effective protection measures from the outset.

In fact, Research at Cambridge University shows preventative security measures cost just 15-20% of post-breach recovery expenses.  

These changes require a coordinated effort between government agencies, private operators and professionals.

NPSA guidance provides practical solutions but lacks enforcement power – a unified regulation with independent verification offers the best path forward.

Data centre security forms the backbone of modern digital society and UK facilities must address system-wide vulnerabilities.