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Data centres are the backbone of today’s digital world, housing vast amounts of critical information that support businesses, governments, and national infrastructure. As the UK government announces £14 billion in funding to boost AI growth and data centre developments[1], the demand for secure and reliable data centres is on the rise. However, with this increased investment in data infrastructure, the security of these facilities becomes even more crucial.
The Rising Threat to Data Centres
The value of data cannot be overstated - it's one of the most valuable assets organisations hold. But with this value comes risk.
Data centres, as the storage hubs of this critical information, are prime targets for cyber criminals and other threat actors. The large and diverse amount of data they hold whether for businesses, governments, or personal information makes them highly attractive targets. A single breach can have devasting consequences, as seen in recent high-profile attacks.
Case Study
In 2021 two major data centres - Shanghai-based GDS Holdings and Singapore-based ST Telemedia Global Data Centres[2] were targeted in a sophisticated cyber-attack. Attackers exfiltrated sensitive data, including administrator credentials and customer login details for cloud services. The breach impacted high-profile customers such as Alibaba Group, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Walmart.
Threat actors exploited stolen credentials to attempt deeper access into systems, specifically targeting embedded server management tools. Data centre customer records were also found for sale on underground hacker forums, with exfiltration continuing into 2023.
The Cost of a Security Breach
High-profile data breaches and service disruptions have become common, with devastating financial and reputational losses. For data centre operators and data owners, the consequences of an incident may include:
- Regulatory fines for failing to comply with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, NIS2)
- Loss of sensitive intellectual property (IP) or customer data.
- Operational downtime that can cripple business continuity.
- Post-incident recovery costs, including forensic investigations and security overhauls.
- Long-term reputational damage, leading to loss of customers and trust.
Building Resilience
Given the constant evolution of cyber threats and the likelihood of an eventual breach, resilience must be a cornerstone of data centre security. Resilience refers to the ability of a facility to absorb and recover from attacks or disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted service even under adverse conditions. A resilient data centre requires a layered security model, addressing risks across various domains.
Geography and Ownership Risks
Where a data centre is built really matters. Natural disasters pose significant threats, but geography isn’t just about the weather - it’s also about politics, regulation, and security.
A data centre located in a country with strict government oversight or geopolitical instability may face additional risks, including government intervention, supply chain disruptions, or targeted cyberattacks. Ownership also plays a role. When foreign entities own or operate a data centre, then maintaining an effective relationship with local leaders reduce data sovereignty and government influence risks, especially when handling sensitive information.
Insider Threats and Operational Vulnerabilities
The people working in or around a data centre whether full-time employees, contractors, or third-party vendors can pose as much risk as external attackers. Malicious insiders may exploit access for financial gain, while negligent employees can accidentally introduce security vulnerabilities. Strong personnel vetting and security measures are critical, from background checks during hiring to ongoing security training that ensures employees understand potential threats and their role in preventing them.
A zero-trust approach, where access is granted only when absolutely necessary and continuously verified, can reduce insider threat. Monitoring employee activity and regular security audits can also help detect unusual behaviour that might indicate a potential security issue. A strong security culture, where employees are encouraged to report concerns and take responsibility for security, is just as important as technical controls.
Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks
Data centres rely on third-party suppliers for IT equipment, power systems, and network infrastructure. Any vulnerabilities within the supply chain can be exploited by attackers. Vendors and contractors should be held to high security standards, with strict controls over their access to sensitive systems and data. Security requirements should be embedded into contracts, and suppliers must be regularly audited to ensure compliance.
Physical Security
The first line of defence for any data centre is its physical security. A well-secured facility should have a multi-layered approach to security with defences such as perimeter fencing, access-controlled entry points, and surveillance cameras monitored in real time. Inside, data halls should have strict access controls, using biometric authentication or multi-factor verification to ensure only authorised personnel can enter. Meet-Me Rooms (MMRs), where different networks interconnect, are particularly vulnerable and should be tightly controlled to prevent unauthorised access.
Cyber Security and Incident Response
A resilient data centre should have a zero-trust architecture, ensuring that all devices and users are continuously verified before being granted access. Network segmentation is key to preventing attackers from moving laterally within a system, while strong encryption protects data both in transit and at rest.
Real-time threat intelligence and AI-driven security analytics can help detect and respond to threats before they cause serious damage. However, even the best defences can be breached, which is why an effective incident response plan is essential. Regular testing of recovery procedures ensures that organisations can quickly contain an incident and restore operations with minimal disruption. A dedicated Security Operations Centre (SOC), with 24x7x365 monitoring and rapid response capabilities, can be invaluable in detecting and mitigating cyber threats.
Designing Secure, Scalable Data Centres
At Toro, we recognise that security cannot be an afterthought it must be embedded into the design and operation of the data centre from the very beginning. As a single trusted partner relied upon by governments, FTSE 250s, and major enterprises, we will ensure security is integrated across every stage of the data centre lifecycle, from planning and construction to ongoing operations.
Toro's design methodology integrates physical, cyber and people security measures, delivering a converged security approach that protects against modern blended threats and mitigates risks before they escalate. Our security cleared, registered BRE SABRE professionals and Suitably Qualified Security Specialists (SQSS), bring deep cross-department expertise - spanning attacking, defending, managing, and responding to threats enabling us to anticipate and counteract complex security challenges.
Toro aligns security solutions with BREEAM standards for energy efficiency and sustainability while following best-practice frameworks such as NIST and EN 50600 to tackle a broad range of security threats, from unauthorised access to insider threats and disaster resilience. Toro holds certifications in ISO27001 and ISO9001 and is accredited with Cyber Essentials Plus, supporting organisations through audits for SOC1, SOC2, and SOC3 compliance.
Toro offers physical and digital security consultancy and architecture that addresses both environmental challenges and security requirements. These include community impact, infrastructure, IoT, Operational Technology, HVAC, and access control, as well as the interconnectivity and vulnerabilities of modern technology. Our approach incorporates both physical and cyber security into a converged, secure-by-design framework to protect people, systems, technology, and reputation.
Toro also offers AI assurance and Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) to proactively manage emerging risks. In addition our Toro Secure360 offering provides round-the-clock monitoring through our Security Operations Centre (SOC), including Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Network Detection and Response (NDR), ensuring your data centre remains secure and resilient. Our design methodologies adhere to stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring five 9's (99.999%) uptime for cloud services.
As demand for data centres grows it is crucial for operators to prioritise security from the outset. A secure-by-design approach, integrated with resilience, scalability, and regulatory compliance, is essential to protecting critical assets against both current and future threats.
At Toro, we are committed to delivering comprehensive, secure-by-design solutions that safeguard both physical and digital assets. By embedding security at every stage of the design, construction, and operational lifecycle, we help organisations build data centres that are not only secure but also energy-efficient, sustainable, and future-ready. Whether you're building a data centre in the UK or abroad, Toro’s expertise ensures your facility remains resilient, secure, and prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
[1] https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/uk-ai-opportunities-action-plan-data-center/
[2] https://www.scworld.com/news/datacenters-major-firms-hacked