Data Center GRC: Controls
Controls are the policies, processes, and technical safeguards that enforce governance objectives, reduce risks, and maintain compliance in data centers. For hyperscale and AI-native campuses, controls must cover IT systems, OT infrastructure, energy assets, and supply chains. Controls provide the operational backbone of GRC by ensuring that commitments (SLAs, regulatory compliance, ESG targets) are consistently met.
Types of Controls
| Type |
Description |
Examples |
| Preventive |
Stop risks before they occur |
MFA, role-based access, firewalls, redundant power paths |
| Detective |
Identify risks/events as they occur |
SIEM alerts, IDS/IPS, DCIM telemetry, CCTV |
| Corrective |
Respond to and fix issues after detection |
Incident response playbooks, patching, automated failover |
| Compensating |
Alternative safeguards when primary controls aren’t feasible |
Third-party attestations, encryption when physical isolation isn’t possible |
Control Domains
- Physical Controls: Locks, mantraps, biometric access, fire suppression systems.
- Cybersecurity Controls: IAM, SIEM, endpoint protection, network segmentation.
- Operational Controls: Change management, DCIM monitoring, incident response drills.
- Energy & Facility Controls: EPMS alarms, BMS thresholds, DER dispatch automation.
- Compliance Controls: Audit logging, segregation of duties, regulatory attestations.
Control Frameworks
- NIST 800-53: Security and privacy controls for federal information systems.
- ISO 27002: International standard for information security controls.
- CIS Controls: Prioritized set of security best practices.
- COBIT: Control objectives for IT governance and management.
- PCI DSS: Payment card industry data security standard (sector-specific controls).
Benefits
- Risk Mitigation: Directly addresses threats before they escalate.
- Compliance Assurance: Satisfies regulators and auditors with documented safeguards.
- Operational Reliability: Improves uptime and SLA performance.
- Audit Readiness: Controls generate logs and evidence for attestations.
Challenges
- Control Overload: Too many controls can create inefficiency and complexity.
- Gaps & Drift: Controls must be continuously updated as systems evolve.
- Integration: IT, OT, and energy controls must be coordinated.
- Human Factors: Misconfigurations and workarounds weaken control effectiveness.
Key Tools & Platforms
