Edmond Dorne, Product Manager – Cylinders, Keys, Credentials at ASSA ABLOY demystifies the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) in regard to data center security.

Data center security

The digital age has ushered in a new era of complexity for data centers, where safeguarding sensitive information is critical.

Physical access control, a cornerstone of data center security, has evolved rapidly to meet these increasing challenges.

At the heart of this evolution is the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), a groundbreaking standard transforming the industry.

Traditionally, access control systems relied on outdated protocols like Clock and Data and Wiegand, which could be vulnerable to attacks and lack the sophistication required for modern data centers.

These protocols were designed for simpler systems and struggled to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.

OSDP, on the other hand, offers a robust and secure alternative.

Developed jointly by Mercury Security and HID Global, and subsequently adopted as a standard by the Security Industry Association (SIA), OSDP has become the gold standard for access control communication.

Why OSDP matters for data centers

Data centers are complex environments with multiple layers of security. OSDP provides a critical advantage by enabling seamless integration and interoperability between various access control components.

This unified approach enhances security and efficiency.

Several of OSDP’s benefits stand out in advancing security needs in modern environments:

• Enhanced security: OSDP employs advanced encryption, tamper detection and continuous monitoring to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. This is crucial for data centers, where sensitive information is at stake
• Cost savings: while the initial investment in OSDP-compliant equipment might be higher, the long-term benefits are substantial. The protocol’s efficiency, reduced installation time and lower power consumption can lead to significant cost savings
• Flexibility and scalability: OSDP’s open platform architecture allows for easy integration of new technologies and expansion of the access control system as the data center grows. This adaptability is essential for businesses facing dynamic operational needs
• Improved user experience: OSDP-enabled readers offer advanced features like audio and visual feedback, enhancing user convenience and security

Advanced security with OSDP integration

The open-platform nature of OSDP empowers organizations to integrate advanced technology, bolstering their ability to safeguard data through robust physical access control systems.

This proactive approach ensures the safety and security of employees, visitors and assets.

OSDP supports AES-128 encryption, a necessity for US federal government applications and continuously monitors wiring to detect and prevent tampering.

This capability is crucial for mitigating the rising threat of “man in the middle” attacks.

Furthermore, the protocol’s efficient design reduces installation costs by utilizing just two data wires, compared with to up to 11 with Wiegand, allowing for more streamlined installations.

User-friendly features such as audio and visual feedback, including colored lights and audible beeps, enhance the usability of OSDP-enabled systems.

The protocol also supports advanced authentication methods, such as smartcard technology, PKI/FICAM and biometrics, ensuring compliance with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and facilitating interactive terminal capabilities.

Several high-profile data centers have already implemented OSDP-enabled access control locking systems with remarkable results.

This significantly reduces unauthorized access attempts and improves overall security posture by upgrading to OSDP-compatible locks.

This transition also facilitates easier compliance with stringent industry regulations and audits, demonstrating the protocol’s adaptability to various regulatory environments.

The integration of OSDP in data centers is not limited to security enhancements alone.

The operational efficiencies gained from this technology can lead to substantial improvements in overall data center management.

For example, streamlined wiring and reduced installation times directly translate to minimized downtime during system upgrades or maintenance. This ensures that data centers can maintain optimal performance levels without compromising security.

OSDP-enabled readers offer a compelling case for businesses seeking to modernize their access control systems while cutting costs as they can dramatically reduce installation time and energy consumption.

These combined benefits translate into significant savings, making OSDP a smart investment for any business looking to optimize its operations.

The future of access control

As the demand for data centers continues to grow with the proliferation of cloud services and big data, the scalability offered by OSDP becomes increasingly valuable.

Businesses can confidently expand their data infrastructure, knowing that their access control systems can easily adapt to new challenges and technologies.

OSDP is not just a protocol; it represents a paradigm shift in access control.

As the industry moves toward greater digitalization and interconnectedness, OSDP will play an increasingly vital role in safeguarding sensitive data and assets.

By embracing it, data center operators can strengthen their security posture, improve operational efficiency and future-proof their access control systems.

This article was originally published in the September edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.