UK Government classifies data centres as Critical National Infrastructure

The UK government’s recent decision to classify data centres as critical national infrastructure (CNI) marks a significant shift in how these facilities are perceived and managed. Critical national infrastructure refers to assets essential for the functioning of a society and economy, including energy, water, transportation, and now, data centres. This classification underscores the vital role data centres play in supporting digital services, economic stability, and national security.

Focus on Security

With this new classification, the security of data centres becomes paramount. Security measures will need to be enhanced to protect against a range of threats, from cyber-attacks to physical breaches. The focus will be on ensuring the resilience and reliability of these facilities to prevent disruptions that could have widespread consequences.

Physical Security of Data Centres

Physical security is a critical aspect of safeguarding data centres. This involves protecting the physical infrastructure from unauthorized access, natural disasters, and other potential threats. Existing data centres may need to undergo significant upgrades to meet the new security standards. This could include:

– Enhanced perimeter security with advanced fencing, surveillance systems, and access control measures.

– Building reinforcements to strengthen the structural integrity of buildings to withstand natural disasters and attacks.

– High-security portals and doors, including biometric systems and multi-factor authentication to restrict access to authorized personnel only.

– Installation of steel fire and security doors to further protect the building and individual data hall integrity.

For new data centre builds, considerations will include site selection in locations less prone to natural disasters and away from high-risk areas. Design standards will adhere to the latest security standards, such as the NPSA (National Protective Security Authority) guidelines and the LPS1175 Issue 8 C5 standard, which specifies requirements for physical security products.

Changes to Data Halls and Servers

Data halls and servers within data centres might also need to undergo changes to comply with the new security requirements. This could involve enhanced cooling systems to ensure servers operate efficiently and safely, especially in the event of a fire. Redundant power supplies will be necessary to maintain operations during power outages. Advanced fire suppression systems will be installed to quickly extinguish fires without damaging equipment. Physical segmentation will create separate, secure areas within data halls to limit the spread of any potential breach.

Impact on the General Public and Businesses

The classification of data centres as CNI will have far-reaching implications for both the general public and businesses. For the public, this move aims to ensure the continuous availability of digital services that people rely on daily, such as online banking, healthcare services, and communication platforms. Enhanced security measures will help protect personal data from breaches, fostering greater trust in digital services.

For businesses, particularly those that rely heavily on data and digital infrastructure, this classification means increased assurance of service continuity and data protection. However, it may also lead to higher operational costs as data centres invest in upgraded security measures. Businesses might need to adapt to new compliance requirements and potentially higher service fees from data centre providers.

Key Dates and Legislation

The announcement was made on September 12, 2024, by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. The legislation to formalize this classification is expected to be passed by the end of 2024, with full implementation and compliance required by mid-2025.

Conclusion

The UK government’s decision to classify data centres as critical national infrastructure highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure in our society. By focusing on enhanced security measures, particularly physical security, this move aims to protect the integrity and availability of essential services. While this will bring about changes and challenges for existing and new data centres, the overall impact is expected to be positive, ensuring the resilience of digital services that underpin modern life and business operations.