Q. How long have you been at Interxion?
A. “Just over a year, around 14 months, and I’m loving it.”
How did you get into data centre security?
“My last job was looking after security contracts for a security and investigations company. We worked with major banks, the NHS and even the Home Office. My knowledge of the DC industry was relatively light before I joined Interxion, but it seemed like a great opportunity and it’s turned out really well so far!”
What excites you most about your job?
“It’s definitely following the latest trends in the data centre security space and introducing new systems based on this knowledge. As data continues to become more critical and more sensitive, there’s a growing amount of innovation going into everything from facilities and cabinet controls to biometric access controls and perimeter security. Taking a personal role in changing the way that the data centre operates is one of the most rewarding aspects. There’s already a really good security set up at Interxion, which makes my job relatively easy.”
Describe your happy place?
“Getting on with things in the data centre!”
What can’t you leave home without?
“I hate to say it but my phone. I’m not much of a ‘scroller’ but having this on me at all times means I’m always reachable should there be any problems.”
If you could have three famous people over for dinner, who would you choose and why?
“It has to be Barack Obama – he’s really inspirational. Then I’d have Donald Trump, just to see how the conversation would go. And finally, Albert Einstein to apply some logic to the discussion!”
What is your day-to-day role / main responsibilities at Interxion?
“For most businesses, especially those increasingly adopting cloud services, having around-the-clock on-site on-premise security can be expensive and impractical. That’s why many turn to data centre providers like us. We have dozens of controls, alarm and CCTV systems in place to ensure we’re operating securely and remaining compliant with data security regulations. Our data centres have multiple layers of security, rigorous identity checks and biometric security scanning to ensure no one can enter or leave without authorisation. My role as Security Manager involves monitoring these systems and responding to any situations that may arise.
“It’s my job to identify any potential risks that may threaten our ability to keep our customers’ data secure. I’m constantly in communication with the facilities management team, so I have a good handle on what’s going on inside the data centre. For example, if we have contractors visiting for maintenance purposes, I need to ensure they are adhering to the correct procedures and working in a controlled and safe manner.”
What role did you play in the development of LON3?
“My role included overseeing the installation of LON3’s security systems, including perimeter boundaries, alarmed controls and CCTV monitors, and ensuring these were fit for purpose. It’s all about creating a robust and effective physical security environment that’s going to maintain the confidentiality, availability and integrity of the data we process.”
Were there any challenges you had to overcome?
“With any project of this size and nature, challenges will arise. There were some design issues to overcome, but it was really interesting and rewarding finding a way of solving these with the rest of the team.”
To find out what our newest data centre, LON3, can offer your business, get in touch or download the LON3 factsheet.
