The security of computer rooms requires more than a lock on the door.

A failure in the digital infrastructure by no means always starts digitally. Fire, cooling failure, power problems, or unauthorized access can just as easily bring down servers and networks. Anyone who wants to keep IT systems running continuously must therefore also consider the room in which they are located. During the IT Infrastructure event, On November 25 at Congrescentrum 1931 in 's-Hertogenbosch, the physical resilience of computer rooms will be discussed in detail.

When it comes to IT security, we often think of firewalls, access rights, and other digital measures. But what happens on the other side of the screen? Who can walk into a computer room, who has access to the equipment, and how do we know what is happening there?

Those questions – and more – are addressed in the presentation‘NIS2 & CRA: which physical measures have you already taken?’' by André Hiddink and Arco Prins of Rittal. They explain how physical risks such as unauthorized access, sabotage, and environmental influences can affect continuity. In doing so, they also look at current legislation and regulations, production sites, and edge installations.

Who has access to the server rack?

Anyone with access to a computer room does not automatically gain access to every rack. It is precisely at this level that a weak point can arise in the security chain.

Marijn de Ruijter of EMKA Benelux speaks about this in his lecture:‘Who actually has access to your server rack?’Using a practical example, he demonstrates why access to a room is different from access to specific IT equipment. Five control questions regarding access, identity, authorization, registration, and monitoring help visitors to IT Infra scrutinize their own security.

Small deviation, major malfunction

However, people are not the only risk. A clogged air filter, a defective sensor, or a change in the environment can also affect system availability. The problem is not that such anomalies occur, but that they are detected too late.

Leon van der Valk, Corporate Information Security Officer at SPIE Netherlands, focuses in his keynote '‘The continuous struggle against the elements’ Therefore, focus on the relationship between physical and digital resilience. Monitoring, risk management, and current threat intelligence help organizations understand where risks arise. The practical question behind this is: do you know what is currently happening in and around your IT environment, and can you intervene before a deviation develops into a malfunction?

Fire safety starts with the infrastructure

The cabling in a building also plays a role in physical safety, as shown by the presentation by Eurotronic and Dura-Line entitled: '‘Fiber optic readiness and fire safety: new requirements for indoor networks’This story revolves entirely around the fire safety aspects of the indoor fiber optic infrastructure. The application of Low Smoke Halogen Free (LSHF) MicroDuct systems is also discussed.

Is the emergency power supply ready for AI?

Without power, even the most secure computer room ceases to function. The rise of AI adds a new challenge to this. AI workloads can cause infrastructure load to fluctuate rapidly, placing different demands on batteries than a constant load during a power outage.

In the presentation '‘AI data centers and the impact on battery backup’', organized by Exide, therefore focuses not only on the capacity of the emergency power supply, but also on the question of whether existing systems are sufficiently prepared for changing load profiles.

One chain of measures

The common denominator is clear: physical access, rack security, monitoring, fire safety, and emergency power are not isolated issues. A computer room is only resilient if these measures complement each other. A heavily secured server rack is of little help if a cooling failure goes unnoticed. And a reliable emergency power supply does not prevent problems when unauthorized persons can easily access critical equipment.

It is precisely the interconnectedness between disciplines that runs like a common thread through the IT Infra 2026 program. The mentioned lectures can be attended free of charge on November 25 at the 1931 Congrescentrum in 's-Hertogenbosch. View the full program with all lectures, keynotes, and activities at: fhi.nl/itinfra.