DCTR-11

Does the center where the data will reside have cooling and fire-suppression systems that are active and regularly tested?

Explanation

This question is asking whether the data center facility has proper cooling and fire-suppression systems that are not only installed but also actively maintained and regularly tested. Why this matters: 1. Data centers house critical computing infrastructure that generates significant heat. Without proper cooling systems, equipment can overheat, leading to hardware failures, data loss, and service outages. 2. Fire is one of the most serious physical threats to a data center. Effective fire suppression systems are essential to protect both the equipment and the data stored within. 3. Having these systems is not enough - they must be regularly tested to ensure they will function properly in an emergency. This question appears in security assessments because physical infrastructure protection is a fundamental component of a comprehensive security program. Even the best cybersecurity controls are meaningless if the physical infrastructure housing your data is vulnerable to environmental threats like overheating or fire damage. When answering this question, you should: 1. Confirm whether your data center has both cooling and fire suppression systems 2. Describe the types of systems in place (e.g., HVAC, fire detection, sprinklers, gas-based suppression) 3. Explain your testing and maintenance schedule 4. Mention any relevant certifications the data center holds (like SSAE 18, ISO 27001, etc.) that would require these systems 5. If you use a third-party data center provider like AWS or Azure, reference their compliance documentation

Example Responses

Example Response 1

Yes, our primary data center facility is equipped with N+1 redundant cooling systems that maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels for all computing equipment The cooling infrastructure includes computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units with redundant power supplies and is monitored 24/7 through our building management system For fire suppression, we employ a multi-layered approach including VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) systems, dual-interlock pre-action sprinkler systems, and FM-200 gas-based suppression in critical areas All cooling systems undergo monthly preventive maintenance and quarterly performance testing Fire detection and suppression systems are tested quarterly according to NFPA standards, with full evacuation drills conducted annually These testing procedures are documented and available for audit purposes Our facility maintains SSAE 18 SOC 2 Type II certification which includes verification of these environmental controls.

Example Response 2

Yes, our company utilizes AWS data centers for hosting our infrastructure and data storage According to AWS's compliance documentation, all their data centers are equipped with state-of-the-art cooling systems featuring N+2 redundancy to maintain optimal operating conditions Their fire detection and suppression systems include both automatic fire detection and suppression equipment as well as manual triggers AWS maintains that these systems are regularly tested in accordance with industry standards and local regulations Their data centers undergo rigorous third-party audits including ISO 27001, SOC 1/2/3, and other certifications that specifically evaluate physical and environmental controls We receive and review AWS's compliance reports annually to verify these controls remain in place and effective This information is documented in our AWS Shared Responsibility Matrix that we maintain as part of our security program.

Example Response 3

No, our current data center facility has cooling systems that are actively maintained, but our fire suppression system is limited to handheld fire extinguishers and basic smoke detectors We do not currently have an automated fire suppression system installed While we perform regular maintenance on our cooling infrastructure, we do not have a formal testing program in place for either system We recognize this as a gap in our physical security controls and have included the implementation of a comprehensive fire detection and suppression system in our security roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year In the interim, we have implemented additional administrative controls including more frequent physical inspections and staff training on emergency procedures to mitigate this risk We expect to have automated fire suppression systems installed and tested within the next 6 months.

Context

Tab
Infrastructure
Category
Datacenter

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