Practical UNIX and Internet Security, 3rd Edition

Chapter 8: Physical Security for Servers

• Develop a physical security plan that includes a description of your assets, environment, threats, perimeter, and defenses.

• Determine who might have physical access to any of your resources under any circumstances.

• Have heat and smoke alarms in your computer room. If you have a raised floor, install alarm sensors both above and below the floor. If you have a dropped ceiling, put sensors above the ceiling, too.

• Check the placement and recharge status of fire extinguishers on a regular basis.

• Make sure that personnel know how to use all fire protection and suppression equipment.

• Make sure that the placement and possible use of fire suppression systems will not endanger personnel or equipment more than is necessary.

• Have water sensors installed above and below raised floors in your computer room.

• Train your users and operators about what to do when an alarm sounds.

• Strictly prohibit smoking, eating, and drinking in your computer room or near computer equipment.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors.

• Install and regularly clean air filters in your computer room.

• Place your computer systems where they will be protected in the event of an earthquake, explosion, or structural failure. Avoid windows.

• Consider the heat and air flow patterns in the room and from the computers. Avoid placing computers next to walls.

• Keep your backups offsite.

• Have temperature and humidity controls in your computer room. Install alarms associated with the systems to indicate if values ...