Keys to fortifying data centers against failures and attacks

June 18, 2025 2 min read

The physical and digital security of data centers is essential to prevent disruptions and safeguard critical information from cyberattacks, power outages, and natural disasters.

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Data centers have become vital components for businesses of all sizes. From startups to large corporations, these infrastructures host critical information such as financial data, customer records, and strategic operations. However, their vulnerability to cyberattacks, power failures, and natural disasters makes them a critical nexus that requires urgent protection.

Essential Physical Security.

Security starts at the foundation. A robust physical infrastructure and real-time monitoring are crucial to detect anomalies and respond swiftly to operational threats. Among the greatest risks are power outages, which can lead to data loss, service downtime, and significant recovery costs. In this context, having uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems with redundancy is indispensable.

Gabriel Estay, Director of Data Center and Secure Power for the Andean Cluster at Schneider Electric, states:

“A standout example in this area is our Galaxy VXL UPS. It is 100% modular, allowing power modules to be added or removed without interrupting the equipment’s operation, thanks to our Live Swap technology.”

The scalability of this system enables companies to start with a capacity of 125 kW and scale up to 1250 kW according to their needs. Additionally, its internal N+1 redundancy ensures that if one module fails, another automatically takes over without impacting operations.
“This not only improves power availability but also guarantees uninterrupted service continuity,” Estay adds.

Rising Digital Threats.

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At the same time, cyberattacks pose an increasing risk. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 reached $4.45 million. In Latin America, Kaspersky’s 2024 Threat Landscape report recorded over 1.1 million ransomware attacks in one year, with Peru registering 33,788 attempts — equivalent to 92 per day.

Attackers exploit any weak point, including unexpected elements such as IoT sensors or power plants. Estay warns:

“We have seen hackers cause fires in data centers by targeting power plants. That is why security must be integrated from the design phase of the equipment.”

To mitigate such risks, devices must incorporate cybersecurity certifications and receive regular updates.
“A UPS without protection is like leaving the door open to hackers. Ours come factory-hardened,” the executive emphasizes.
A key tool in this strategy is the Secure NMC System (SNS), a network management card that safeguards connected devices, ensures regulatory compliance, and strengthens long-term security.
This system enables remote monitoring of IT infrastructure, significantly reducing the risk of failures and downtime.

Looking Ahead.

The future of data center security is moving towards greater integration of artificial intelligence and automation to detect and respond to threats in real time. Modular and scalable infrastructure also allows agile adaptation to new demands without compromising service continuity.

In Colombia, such solutions are becoming even more relevant. The country’s data center ecosystem is consolidating as a strategic pillar of its digital infrastructure.

According to Arizton, the Colombian market is projected to exceed US$520 million in revenue by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.25% from 2023 to 2029.

This momentum is driven by the rise of e-commerce, intensive data usage, and the adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence. In light of this rapid growth, investment in both physical and digital security becomes not only necessary but strategic to ensure the resilience and sustainability of data centers across the region.