The world has long recognized the importance of protecting the infrastructure that sustains modern life – water supply, energy grids, and transportation systems. Events like the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and the European power outage in 2003 exposed vulnerabilities in these essential systems, forcing governments to take decisive action. Similarly, Singapore introduced a law in 2018 to safeguard critical infrastructure and high-profile buildings. And more recently, Hong Kong presented a framework to regulate critical infrastructure operators and critical computer systems.
However, a new kind of critical infrastructure has quietly joined their ranks: data centers. These facilities, the engines of modern life, now carry the same weight as water, energy, and transport in ensuring societal stability.
A critical global priority
Data centers are no longer seen as merely supporting technology. Their role in storing vital information for healthcare, financial systems, and global communications has elevated them to critical infrastructure status. Recent legislation, such as the United Kingdom’s decision to classify data centers as critical national infrastructure, reflects this shift. This move brings additional government support, including dedicated teams to monitor threats, access national security resources, and ensure resilience against a wide range of risks.
Unlike traditional critical infrastructure, much of the world's data centers are privately owned, introducing unique challenges. The need for collaboration between the public and private sectors has never been greater. Governments are stepping in with regulations, incentives, and resources, while companies are contributing technological innovation and operational expertise. This partnership model, seen across the globe, can ensure that vulnerabilities are addressed comprehensively, whether they stem from cyber threats, physical sabotage, or natural disasters.
Emerging threats underscore the urgency of these efforts. Increased interconnectivity has heightened the risk of cascading failures. Physical and digital threats grow more sophisticated, and climate change adds pressure with extreme weather events. Data centers, as hubs of global connectivity, must not only withstand these challenges but also provide uninterrupted service to industries and communities alike.
A sharper focus on data center needs
At Securitas, we understand the gravity of protecting critical infrastructure, including data centers. For decades, we’ve been securing high-risk sectors, from nuclear power plants to oil and gas facilities, delivering advanced security solutions tailored to complex needs. Data centers are no exception, as they have become a critical pillar of the modern economy, requiring the same level of meticulous protection and expertise.
Building on this foundation, Securitas leads the way in securing the world’s digital infrastructure by combining cutting-edge technology, specialized expertise, and global reach. Having supported data centers for many years, the establishment of the Global Clients Data Center Group in 2023 brought a sharper focus on their unique needs.
Collaborating to protect a data-driven world
At the heart of Securitas’ approach is collaboration and co-creation with clients, enabling the development of tailored solutions that evolve with the demands of a data-driven future. Paired with an accreditation program to train 10,000 officers as Data Center Security and Safety Professionals, Securitas is fully equipped to meet the growing global demand for resilient, safe, and efficient data centers.
There’s no question that recognizing data centers as critical infrastructure is a big shift. They’re now considered just as essential as water, energy, and transportation systems, with both lawmakers and industries acknowledging their importance. This global recognition highlights the vital role data centers play in keeping our interconnected world moving forward – and the ever rising importance of specialized security programs that can keep pace with data centers’ complex and evolving needs.
