Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity starts with the physical security of the IT environment, not just software.
- An unsecured server room or patch cabinet is as risky as a weak password.
- The IT-label makes physical security vulnerabilities visible and measurable.
- Insurers and regulations are imposing ever-stricter requirements on physical IT security.
- A higher IT-label demonstrably reduces incident risk and strengthens client trust.
Cybersecurity does not stop at software
In an era where cyber threats are becoming ever more sophisticated, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity. Many organisations invest in firewalls, antivirus and monitoring, but overlook one crucial element: the physical security of their IT infrastructure. Ask yourself: is your server room secured with certified access control, who has access to your network cabling, are racks locked, is fire detection in place, and is your space protected against water damage? An unsecured patch cabinet in a corridor is just as much a risk as a weak password. Anyone with physical access to your infrastructure can copy data, manipulate equipment, delete backups and intercept network traffic. No firewall protects against someone who literally pulls your server from the rack.
What is an IT-label?
An IT-label is an independent assessment of the physical security of your IT environment. It reveals how well your server room, network cabling and access control are protected against unauthorised access, sabotage, theft, fire and water damage, and power failure. A higher IT-label level means a higher level of protection and reliability.
Why an IT-label matters
An IT-label makes vulnerabilities visible that are often overlooked internally. More and more clients and partners demand demonstrable security measures, so an IT-label strengthens trust. At the same time, insurers and regulations are imposing ever stricter requirements on physical security. And an incident in the server room can bring operations to a complete standstill, putting continuity at risk.
An unsecured patch cabinet in a corridor is just as much a risk as a weak password: no firewall protects against someone who literally pulls your server from the rack.
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Request IT-labelCommon issues found during audits
Audits regularly uncover situations that directly reduce the IT-label score: a server room shared with cleaning supplies or storage, the absence of separate access control, poor ventilation or cooling, no emergency power supply, unprotected cable ducts and open racks without locks. If this sounds familiar, there is a good chance your IT-label score would be low.
How to achieve a higher IT-label?
Achieving a higher IT-label requires an integrated approach. Start with access control: use badge or biometric access control, log who enters and when, and restrict access to authorised personnel. Next, optimise fire safety with smoke detection, appropriate extinguishing agents and compartmentalisation. Ensure reliable power supply through a UPS, consider emergency power and use separate power circuits. Professional cooling with temperature and humidity monitoring is equally essential, as are lockable racks, separate patch spaces and secured cable routes. Round off with camera surveillance, environmental sensors and alarm notifications for deviations. Learn more about how the IT-label works and the certification process on our website.
Cybersecurity starts at the door
Organisations invest thousands of euros in digital security but leave their server rooms unattended. That is like buying a safe but leaving the key in the lock. An IT-label makes physical security measurable and visible. It helps you minimise risks, build trust and protect the continuity of your organisation. The real question is not whether an IT-label is important, but whether you can be certain that your server room and cabling are adequately protected.
