Information Security

Details

Effective security systems are a large part of Parsec Data. Your digital data is your business and no one else's. We have engineered an elaborate operation using the latest technology to provide state of the art data protection on every level. Here is how we do it...

Physical Security

Surveillance cameras are positioned throughout the interior and exterior of the data center. Facility access is controlled by at least four factor authentication including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards, unique 4 (or more) digit PINs, 3rd party remote video visual verification, and an iris scan. For additional security, Parsec offers locking cabinets and/or locked cages for customer environments. Parsec operates strict server access policies and procedures to protect our clients from any attacks on their data.

Parsec Data's utility yard which houses all external equipment (e.g. generators, cooling fans, etc.) is a controlled access area secured by video surveillance and multiple alarms which are monitored 24/7.

Authentication Strategies

Authentication is an important aspect of security. It is the front line of protection for user accounts. A poorly chosen password or weak authentication may result in the compromise of corporate resources. As such, all Parsec Data Management employees (including contractors and vendors with access to Parsec Data Management’s systems) are personally responsible for taking the appropriate steps, to select and secure effective passwords and other authentication methods. All must meet Parsec authentication requirement standards.

Logical Security & Reliability

We subscribe to defense in depth. As part of this, the firewalls which Parsec employ, and have in production, utilize the most stringent firewall rules possible. Firewalls are configured in a High Availability (HA) fashion to mitigate risks of downtime. It employs both Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and Intrusion Detection System (IDS) simultaneously. Both systems, IPS & IDS contribute to Parsec's security. Each server has software firewalls for protection and anti-virus protections when applicable. By monitoring network-attached devices for conditions that warrant administrative attention, we ensure no critical issues slip through the cracks. Monitoring offers security to businesses and contributes to optimal operating environment. We use multiple redundant switches from multiple vendors to improve uptime. Virtualization helps reduce risks of hardware failure. To realize optimal resource utilization, maximize throughput, minimize response time, increase reliability, and avoid overload - Parsec utilizes load balancing internet providers. This increases reliability through redundancy. Parsec Data systems monitor bandwidth in order to optimize usage. Real time traffic analysis improves performance and lowers costs. Primary bandwidth is supplied by Two (2) load balanced providers. One, a Tier 1 bandwidth provider utilizes a Self-Healing Alternate Route Protection (SHARP) service, and another, also load balanced, with SHARP services to insure 100% reliability.

Fire Suppression/Protection

We protect our data center/co-location facility from fire with an Ecaro-25 Fike fire suppression system. ECARO-25 features the unique fire-extinguishing agent FE-25 by DuPont. This highly effective clean agent is safe for people, assets and the environment. FE-25 has several other key aspects including:

• Zero Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP)
• Environmentally Safe
• Electrically Non-Conductive
• Colorless and Odorless
• Leaves No Residue
• No Over pressurization Concerns

The temperature of the suite stays within 66 - 72 degrees F, and is monitored to stay within that range 24x7x365. Humidity of the suite stays within a range of 35 - 50%. Our temperature and humidity controls are N+1 redundant. We utilize:

• Liebert Dry-coolers 60 Hz
• Liebert Chillers
• Glycol Pumps

Power Management System

The Parsec suite in the data center is protected by N+1 battery backup. This battery backup is capable of powering the entire suite until the onsite generator takes over. The 800 KW diesel generator is on site to provide power in the event of commercial power failure. It is tested every Monday without load to be sure that it starts and runs properly. Additionally, quarterly load tests are performed during the scheduled maintenance windows. Zero power loss insures zero data loss.