At Valkyrie, we encounter server rooms of all shapes and sizes—some immaculately organised, others in disrepair. Yet many small businesses and family offices don’t realise how crucial these systems are to security. A neglected server rack isn’t just untidy; it can pose severe risks to your infrastructure.
Gurpreet Thathy, our Cyber Security and Electronic Countermeasures Director, highlights this issue: “On a recent audit, we found a perfect example of what not to do—a cluttered, poorly maintained server rack. These systems are your operational backbone, housing sensitive data. They should be managed with as much care as any other security measure.”
Servers don’t just run your business; they control data flow, store information, and support communication. When properly maintained—patched, cooled, and organised—they safeguard your data and ensure smooth operations. However, neglected or overloaded systems can lead to overheating, underperformance, and increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks.
Valkyrie has seen racks tangled with outdated equipment and cables, creating fire risks and easy targets for exploitation. “Poor modifications can lead to misconfigurations and critical errors that could open your system to malicious actors,” Gurpreet adds. “These racks are often out of sight, but the potential consequences of neglect are significant.”
Physical security is equally important. Server rooms are often hidden from employees, but that doesn’t mean they should be forgotten. Access must be restricted and monitored, and only authorised personnel allowed entry. Servers can be tampered with easily if left unsecured, allowing attackers to compromise the network. Monitoring these spaces ensures that unauthorised access is detected and dealt with before serious harm is done.
With the rise of cloud storage, some businesses may feel the need to maintain on-site servers is less urgent. However, physical servers still play an essential role for many small businesses and family offices. While cloud storage offers flexibility, on-site servers provide faster data access, greater control, and independence from external providers. But this comes with responsibility—they must be maintained to ensure performance and security.
If your business migrates to the cloud, decommissioning your on-site servers is essential. Leaving them connected creates vulnerabilities long after data is moved.
In short, server racks might be hidden, but their impact on your security is significant. Keeping them well-maintained, securing access, and decommissioning old servers when moving to the cloud are crucial to protecting sensitive data.
