InMotion Hosting’s approach to ensuring physical and cyber security at their data centers is multifaceted, incorporating a range of technical strategies and state-of-the-art measures.
Physical Security Measures:
- Man Trap Entry Systems: InMotion Hosting employs man trap entry systems at their data centers. These are security vestibules that prevent unauthorized access by using two interlocking doors. Only after the first door closes and the individual is authenticated, does the second door open, ensuring a high level of security against intrusion.
- 24/7 On-Site Security Officers: Around-the-clock security personnel are present at each data center. These trained officers monitor the facilities continuously, adding a human layer of security to the technological defenses.
- Biometric Access Control: Access to sensitive areas within the data centers is secured through biometric systems. These might include fingerprint or retina scanning, which ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical infrastructure areas.
- CCTV Surveillance and Retention: Comprehensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance is in place, with cameras strategically positioned throughout the facilities. This surveillance is backed by a 90-day retention policy, allowing for thorough investigation and review if required.
- Physical Infrastructure Security: The buildings themselves are designed for security and resilience. The data centers, such as the Equinix DC12 IBX® Data Center in Ashburn, Virginia, are constructed as 2-story, steel-framed buildings with precast concrete, slab floors, and are situated outside 100-year floodplains. This structural design ensures stability and resistance to environmental risks.
Cyber Security Measures:
- Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: InMotion Hosting deploys advanced firewalls and IDS to protect against cyber threats. These systems are designed to detect and prevent unauthorized access and monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity.
- DDoS Mitigation: The company employs advanced DDoS mitigation strategies, including scalable detection for high-volume links and 24/7/365 monitoring. This proactive approach identifies and drops malicious traffic while allowing legitimate website requests to pass through, ensuring uninterrupted service.
- Data Encryption: Data transmitted to and from InMotion Hosting’s data centers is encrypted, safeguarding sensitive information against eavesdropping or interception during transmission.
- Compliance Standards: InMotion Hosting’s data centers comply with stringent standards such as SSAE 18 SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2, PCI DSS 3.2 Validation, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53/FISMA, and HIPAA. These certifications demonstrate adherence to rigorous security practices.
- Regular Security Audits: The company conducts regular security audits to identify and rectify potential vulnerabilities. These audits are crucial in maintaining a secure environment, ensuring that the infrastructure and practices remain robust against evolving threats.
In summary, InMotion Hosting’s comprehensive approach to physical and cyber security involves a blend of sophisticated technical measures, rigorous standards, and continuous monitoring. This multi-layered strategy ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of hosted data and services.
InMotion Hosting
Experience unparalleled security and reliability with InMotion Hosting – where cutting-edge technology meets stringent safety standards to keep your digital world secure and uninterrupted.
Benefits and Drawbacks of InMotion Hosting’s Data Center Security
InMotion Hosting’s data center security strategy integrates advanced physical and cyber defense mechanisms, offering robust protection to their clients’ digital assets. However, while these measures provide a high degree of security, they may also introduce certain constraints in terms of flexibility and potential cost implications for the users.
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Data Protection | Fortified security via biometric access and continuous monitoring reduces risk of data breaches. | Complex access protocols may prolong service modifications. |
| Cyber Defense | Robust firewalls and IDS systems provide a secure shield against digital threats. | Continuous updates for cyber defense can be challenging to keep pace with evolving threats. |
| Compliance and Assurance | Alignment with SSAE 18 SOC, ISO 27001, and HIPAA ensures industry-standard data management. | Strict compliance can result in higher operational costs and service pricing. |
| DDoS Resilience | Effective DDoS mitigation techniques guarantee operational stability and service continuity. | |
| Security Audits | Regular security evaluations maintain adaptability to new threats and technologies. |
Benefits:
- Enhanced Data Protection: Utilizing biometric access controls and continuous surveillance ensures a fortified barrier against unauthorized physical intrusion, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches and physical damage to the infrastructure.
- Advanced Cyber Defense: The deployment of sophisticated firewalls and intrusion detection systems offers a strong shield against cyber threats. This proactive cyber defense is crucial for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality, particularly vital for businesses handling sensitive information.
- Compliance Assurance: Adherence to compliance standards like SSAE 18 SOC, ISO 27001, and HIPAA not only demonstrates InMotion Hosting’s commitment to security but also provides clients with the assurance that their data is managed in alignment with industry best practices and legal requirements.
- Resilience to DDoS Attacks: The implementation of DDoS mitigation techniques like scalable detection and constant monitoring safeguards against disruptive service attacks, ensuring continuous availability and operational stability.
- Regular Security Audits: Conducting systematic security assessments allows for the timely identification and rectification of vulnerabilities, keeping the security infrastructure adaptive to evolving threats and technologies.
Drawbacks:
- Potential Cost Implications: Maintaining such high-level security measures and complying with various standards can lead to increased operational costs. These costs might be reflected in the pricing of the hosting services, potentially making them less competitive compared to lower-cost providers.
- Complexity in Access and Management: Stringent security protocols, while necessary, can add complexity to routine access and management of the data center resources. For clients, this might translate into longer wait times for service modifications or updates due to the rigorous security checks and procedures.
- Adaptability Challenges: The rapid evolution of cyber threats requires continuous updates and upgrades to security systems. This constant need for adaptability can lead to challenges in ensuring that all security measures are consistently at the cutting edge, without causing disruptions or downtime.
In conclusion, while InMotion Hosting’s comprehensive security measures at their data centers offer exceptional protection and compliance assurance, they come with considerations of cost, complexity, and the need for continual adaptability to maintain their effectiveness against evolving threats.