Security at CoreSite data centers is a combination of physical security technology and experienced, trained professionals.
Stephanie Rogers, Data Center Operations Technician and security Subject Matter Expert, brings these two together at CoreSite’s CH1 data center, on South LaSalle Street in Chicago. “We have layers of security to help people feel safe and to make sure the assets they trust us with are safe as well,” Rogers says.
Not long ago, entering a data center meant greeting a security professional and handing over a government ID. It’s no secret that the process has become much more thorough in response to the rise in physical security threats. Rigorous badging processes and biometric screening are two examples, complemented by mantraps and IP-DVR cameras. At CoreSite, each Data Center Operations technician goes thorough annual training and is certified in security.
Rogers is involved in all aspects of CH1 security. On some days this includes assessing the need for cameras in different areas of the building. Other days, it might include covering the front desk and ensuring that customers are at the right place – checking names against data bases and case numbers and directing or escorting customers to their deployment within the data center.
Security operations run smoothly most of the time. But when things do go wrong, she likes troubleshooting to get to the bottom of the problem. “I want to know why,” she says. “Why isn’t this working and how can we fix it for good?”
Having an inquisitive nature is one reason Rogers excels in her role. If you ask her what other qualities she sees in herself and looks to cultivate when training colleagues, she will tell you that “the keys to success are attention to detail, being a self-motivated person, communication skills and personal integrity – which means doing the right thing, even when no one else is around.”
Rogers adds that the security field is constantly growing. “The opportunity is here for those who want it,” she says, including for women. “I would always encourage women to join the security industry. It’s definitely a way to learn self-discipline, be part of a team committed to excellence and meet some really cool people.” Women are under-represented in the data center industry, as one might expect, although the number is increasing.
While technology and procedures are a big part of data center operations, there’s a human element: customer service. “I'm the first person that they see at the front desk and maybe the last person that they see when walking out the door. I set the tone for their visit.”
Interested in a career in data center operations? We’re hiring! Learn more by checking out the CoreSite careers page.