Protecting data center infrastructure from cyber threats

From Compliance to Sustainability and Trust

In the context of rapid digitalization and growing business dependence on IT systems, cybersecurity of data center infrastructure is no longer an ancillary function. Today, it is a fundamental requirement for sustainability, continuity, and trust from clients, partners, and regulators.

Modern cyberthreats are evolving faster than ever before: attacks are becoming targeted, multi-layered, and affecting not only the IT perimeter but also the engineering infrastructure. In this reality, protecting data center power, cooling, and management systems requires the same attention as protecting servers or network equipment.

Vertiv , a global provider of critical digital infrastructure solutions, builds the cybersecurity of its products based on international standards, including UL 2900 and IEC 62443-4-2 , forming the foundation for the long-term resilience of infrastructure systems.

A systems approach to infrastructure security

Effective cybersecurity is impossible without a systematic approach. It must consider the interaction of several levels:

• physical security,

• operational processes,

• human factor,

• digital and network components.

Vertiv uses the CIAA (Confidentiality, Integrity, Authenticity, Availability) model, which enables a structured risk assessment and the formulation of requirements for solution architectures at the design stage.

The key idea is that threats need to be identified and addressed not after the fact, but early in the system lifecycle – from development to operation and updates.

Typical threats and ways to minimize them

Confidentiality. Unauthorized access to data can result from network traffic interception or compromised credentials. Using modern encryption methods and secure communication channels can significantly reduce this risk.

Data integrity. Man-in-the-Middle attacks can alter data during transmission, disrupting system operation. The use of cryptographic hash functions and integrity check mechanisms (CRC) is a mandatory security measure.

Authenticity. Spoofing remains a common threat. Using digital certificates, authentication, and signatures helps ensure trust in data sources.

Availability. Denial -of-service attacks or software update errors can lead to downtime of critical systems. These risks are mitigated through a strict patch management policy, controlled updates, and intelligent resource management.

Safety by Design and the Role of Standards

The most effective way to reduce risks remains the Security by Design principle – the integration of security requirements at all stages of the solution lifecycle.

Of particular importance in this context is the IEC 62443-4-2 standard, which focuses on the security of industrial and infrastructure automation components. It offers a rigorous yet transparent methodology for assessing and documenting the security level of products.

Compliance with safety level 2 according to IEC 62443-4-2 requires:

• mandatory safety testing on the manufacturer's side;

• confirmation of resistance to various attack scenarios;

• the possibility of gradually increasing the level of protection;

• transparency and trust from customers and regulators.

The standard gains additional relevance in light of the entry into force of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) , scheduled for 2027.

Vertiv Cybersecurity Technology Foundations

Vertiv solutions, including the Liebert IntelliSlot RDU120 management card, provide a comprehensive approach to infrastructure protection.

Key elements include:

• Secure boot with a hardware trust anchor. Protection begins the moment the device is first booted, eliminating the possibility of unauthorized code injection.

• A modern Linux operating system. Provides prompt CVE patching, flexible update management, and long-term support.

• High-speed 1 Gbps Ethernet. Supports the requirements of modern network architectures and scalable infrastructures.

• A unified code base with leading Vertiv platforms. This accelerates development, simplifies maintenance, and increases the reliability of solutions.

The optimized architecture enables all functions to be implemented without the need for additional hardware, reducing infrastructure complexity and total cost of ownership.

Bottom Line: Cybersecurity as a Foundation for Trust and Resilience

Cybersecurity of data center infrastructure today is more than just data protection. It's a factor in trust, sustainable growth, and compliance with future market and regulatory requirements.

By investing in certified, architecturally sound solutions, organizations gain:

• reduction of operational risks,

• protection of reputation,

• preparedness for future technological and regulatory changes.

As Warren Buffett rightly noted: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”

This is why infrastructure cybersecurity should be viewed as a strategic business asset, not an additional function.

Source: vertiv.com

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Alpha Grissin – Your Guide to Vertiv Technologies

As an authorized Vertiv project distributor, Alpha Grissin continues to strengthen the brand's presence in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, providing local customers with expertise, technical support, equipment supply, and implementation of comprehensive solutions for critical digital infrastructure.

Our mission is to make Vertiv's global technologies accessible at the regional level and ensure high standards of project implementation, regardless of scale.

Contact us for a consultation and a demo of Vertiv™ materials for your project.