For years, data center security was almost exclusively IT-based: firewalls, encryption, and digital intrusion detection systems. But the risk perimeter has expanded—and regulations have recognized this.
With the entry into force of the NIS2 Directive, data centers are classified as critical infrastructure, on par with the healthcare, energy, and transportation sectors. This means that physical security—controlling who physically enters server rooms, equipment rooms, and restricted areas—is no longer a matter to be managed on the sidelines, but a compliance requirement that directly impacts the governance of the infrastructure.
The Italian market reflects this transition: between 2026 and 2028, over €25 billion in investments in new infrastructure are expected. Every new data center built today is designed with this regulatory framework in mind. And those managing existing facilities must adapt.
What is meant by physical security of a data center?
Data center physical security refers to the systems and procedures that prevent unauthorized access to the physical areas of the infrastructure: the spaces where servers, storage systems, network racks, and critical equipment are located.
It is not a single device, but a multi-layered system. The guiding principle is defense in depth: every area of the facility—from the main entrance to the server rooms—must be protected independently, so that a breach of the external perimeter does not automatically compromise the most sensitive areas.
This approach translates into a series of coordinated physical measures: access control at the entrance, tracking of internal movements, separation of areas by sensitivity level, integration with surveillance systems.
The access control system: the core of physical security
Access control is the operational heart of physical security. In a data center, anyone entering must be identified, authorized, and tracked. Every access must be logged. No unauthorized person should be able to reach critical areas, even if they manage to get past the first entry.
To meet this need, SAIMA Sicurezza designs modular solutions that cover all access levels of a structure:
- Perimeter access and external areas. Access gates to the external area of the data center require systems that ensure smooth passage for authorized personnel and immediate blockage for unauthorized persons. The motorized gates from the SAIMA range—such as the Pass 107 Light or the Vasari Swing Gate—offer precise control in environments where aesthetics are integral to the architectural design, without compromising the required levels of security.
- Access to buildings and pre-entry areas. The TR 121 S and TR 121 D full-height turnstiles are the solution for those requiring absolute control over every single passage: structures that physically prevent climbing over and ensure the passage of unauthorized personnel, even in the absence of surveillance personnel.
- Access to restricted areas and server rooms. This is where the interlocking door comes in: a clearinghouse that allows entry to only one person at a time, verifying their identity through badges, biometrics, or multifactor authentication. The SAIMA data center range includes various configurations—from the Commodoor Light E to the Prestige Light, all the way to the Multitransito Light for higher flows. For more information on this type of door, see our article on data center security portals.
Regulatory Compliance: What NIS2 Requires in Physical Security
The NIS2 Directive does not prescribe specific technical solutions, but requires organizations to take appropriate and proportionate measures to manage risks related to the security of network and information systems — including the physical component.
In practice, this translates into the obligation to:
- document and track all access to critical areas;
- implement systems that prevent unauthorized access;
- provide incident response procedures, including physical incidents;
- ensure operational continuity in the event of intrusion attempts.
A certified and integrated access control system—like those SAIMA designs for data centers—directly addresses these requirements and also contributes to compliance with international standards such as ISO 27001, which explicitly includes physical security among the controls to be implemented.
Integration and scalability: the features that matter in a project
For data center managers, choosing physical security systems is not just about the performance of a single product, but the ability of the entire system to function as a single, cohesive platform.
SAIMA systems are designed to integrate with leading video surveillance, centralized access control, SIEM, and building automation platforms. Access management—permissions, time slots, and event logs—is managed from a single interface, with real-time alerts in the event of anomalies.
Scalability is another critical factor: SAIMA solutions are modular and adaptable to facilities of varying sizes, from corporate server rooms to Tier III and Tier IV data centers. Each project begins with an analysis of the areas to be protected and the associated risk level, to define the most appropriate solution without oversizing or coverage gaps.
Are you designing or upgrading your data center’s physical security system?
The SAIMA Sicurezza team is available for personalized technical consultancy: we analyze your structure, your risk profile, and the applicable regulatory requirements, and together we design the most suitable solution.
