What is Environmental Security?
Environmental security, from a computer networking standpoint, involves protecting and controlling the facilities where your systems are stored. The benefits of well-constructed environmental security process can ensure that data is not lost or in the case of a system failure is able to restore critical functions. Environmental security processes ensure business continuity in the case of disaster along with a disaster recovery plan. These security processes may involve fire suppression systems, electromagnetic shielding, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
A fire can destroy computer equipment and incinerate a building very quickly so some type of fire suppression system is a must. Many commercial buildings have a water sprinkler system. Unfortunately, spraying electrical equipment with pressurized water will short the circuits. Even some chemical fire suppressants can foul electronics.
Clean Agent fire suppressing systems, such a carbon dioxide or Inergen systems, should be used extinguish flames around electric and high voltage equipment. A clean agent system is also non-toxic to people so the after affects will be minimal after work resumes.
Attackers are able to eavesdrop on computer systems, displays, and other similar devices by detecting their electromagnetic emissions. This process is called Van Eck phreaking. Countermeasures to prevent eavesdropping have been put forth by the National Security Agency (NSA) in a study code named TEMPEST, Telecommunications Electronics Material Protected from Emanating Spurious Transmissions. Some of the unclassified measures include special shielding between circuits and equipment or within the building. Other countermeasures including scrambling the signal or installing a Faraday cage, which is a metal mesh structure that stops electromagnetic signals form leaking, around the computer room.
Finally, the HVAC must be controlled to ensure that the environment does not do damage. Humidity levels that are not correct can damage equipment. For instance, air that is too dry can create static that can damage equipment. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can also degrade a system. Adding to the complication is the dry heat emitted from electronic devices.
