22 Feb 2024

Building on the establishment of the Global Clients Data Centre Group in 2023, Securitas is now taking an important next step by strengthening the skills of Securitas’ security officers by introducing a certification for managing data centres’ diverse security challenges with efficiency and expertise.

The significance of big data and cloud services has never been more prevalent. Serving as critical hubs for storing, processing, and distributing digital information, data centres are a part of the daily digital experience. They are the unseen backbone that enables everything from streaming the favorite movies and sports events to managing the financial transactions they rely on daily, to supporting communication tools that connect people across the globe.

Quality of security services

The global data centre market is projected to expand significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% pioneering up to 2030. This rapid growth comes with challenges. Data centres face a myriad of security threats, including human error, system failures, natural disasters, and cyber-attacks.

Data centres face a myriad of security threats, including human error, system failures, natural disasters

These risks highlight the undeniable need for specialised security measures to protect these critical infrastructures. In enhancing the commitment to top-tier security services for data centres, Securitas will train a large number of security officers to become Certified Data Centre Security Professionals, elevating the quality of security services provided to data centres globally.

Certified Data Centre Security Professionals

"The Certified Data Centre Security Professional training is an example of Securitas' dedication to providing security solutions tailored to meet the challenges in the markets where we operate,” says Bert den Hartog, VP, Global Clients Data Centres.

"With over 15,000 hours of total training, upon completion, more than 10,000 participants will attain the certification, showcasing their best-in-class proficiency in safeguarding these high-security facilities."

Collaboration and cultural reinforcement

Clients will be able to enhance their own EHS programs, assuring a safer and efficient workplace

Central to this training are key focus areas such as stringent physical access control, emergency response procedures, adherence to ethics, and professional conduct. Securitas’ certified data centre professionals will be adept at addressing a wide array of security challenges, all while efficiently managing other crucial responsibilities, minimising the need for excess personnel, and therefore reducing the risk of human error.

Securitas’ certified data centre professionals will serve as vigilant eyes and ears, enhancing client safety by identifying hazards and improving working practices. Through collaboration and cultural reinforcement, the clients will be able to enhance their own EHS programs, ensuring a safer and more efficient workplace.

Securitas knows data centres

"We understand the pivotal role data centres play in today's digital landscape,” says Milton Plet, SVP, Head of Securitas’ Data Centre Group. “That is why Securitas is investing in our professionals, ensuring they have the necessary expertise and skills to provide best-in-class protection for our clients. In the same way as security officers tasked with protecting fire-prone facilities must possess expertise in fire safety, our data centre specialists need extensive knowledge in all peculiarities of data centres”.

Securitas plans to introduce additional modules to the certification and launch further training

Delivering solutions to a sector in exponential growth necessitates staying at the forefront of service offerings. The current rollout elevates the industry standard, but it is just the beginning. Securitas plans to introduce additional modules to the certification and launch further training for officers. This commitment is key to ensuring the clients receive the highest level of security, safeguarding what is essential in the new digital era. All with ultimately one purpose: to make the world a safer place.

Innovative learning sparks professional growth

Launched on February 12, the training will seamlessly integrate into the Securitas Global Clients Academy for all Securitas’ officers in data centres, accessible to every employee for continuous development. This initiative not only allows the team to enhance skills and foster professional growth but also serves as a foundational course for new hires. Successful completion earns participants the title of Certified Data Centre Security Professionals, signifying their expertise in safeguarding data centres with the aim to increase client value.

Our exceptional data centre clients are a testament to our position at the forefront of this crucial security domain,” says Magnus Ahlqvist, President and CEO of Securitas. “Data centre security is about ensuring business continuity and instilling confidence in a highly complex and delicate environment. Giving our clients peace of mind, no matter where in the world they operate, has never been more important.”