Monitoring IT Assets’ Environment Essential

4/29/2010

Community banks are concerned with the physical security of their computer equipment. However, equipment is often secured in a closet or some other location that was not designed to house this type of electrical equipment.

As banks continue to add equipment, the server rack can become overloaded along with the ventilation system. Banks will purchase mobile air-conditioning units or split portable units. These units can introduce unwanted moisture into the data center. In addition, these units were designed for use in a house, not a place of business. The failure rate for these units is high for the simple fact that they run twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

It is important to consider these issues. A failure of a simple server blade can cost over $25,000 to replace if the temperature rises, and a thermal shutdown is experienced.

Water can easily be introduced into a data closet. A broken or frozen pipe, dishwasher overflow, or any other plumbing failure can cause significant damage. The installation of an inexpensive environmental monitor could alert the branch manager, cashier or IT department if the following is detected: water, server door contact, city power failure, smoke, electrical current quality, humidity, light, sound and airflow.

The idea is to install these devices throughout the location, including branch locations. If a failure is detected, the management team can respond appropriately. These devices are not only suitable for a server room, but also for remote monitoring of other locations, regardless of the IT assets in that location.

There are a number of different controls that you can test to determine if you are vulnerable to these types of failures. So during your next IT exam, insist that these controls are included in the scope of the assessment.