Smart Cabinet Security: The Key to Preventing Unauthorized Data Center Access

WEST HARTFORD, Conn., July 01, 2025 - Anyone in IT knows that getting into a data center isn’t easy—and that’s by design. Employees undergo background checks, visitors are closely monitored, and multi-layered physical security controls are standard. While most of the focus tends to fall on network security and facility access, cabinet-level security should not be overlooked as a critical line of defense.

In the past, restricting entry to the data center was considered enough. If unauthorized individuals were kept out and basic safeguards could be shown to auditors, you were covered.But today’s reality is different. Even with robust perimeter controls, threats can emerge from within—whether it’s a disgruntled technician, a tenant in a colocation environment, or an engineer accidentally making a costly mistake, causing an outage. In these situations, rack-level protections are the last line of defense against equipment tampering and data loss.

The stakes have never been higher. What once was a cabinet housing $1 million worth of servers now may contain up to $8 million in high-density AI and high-performance computing (HPC) equipment. That kind of investment demands more than a generic lock and key.

To meet this challenge, data center operators are upgrading to intelligent cabinet access systems. Nearly universal keys are being replaced by advanced locking technologies that offer granular control, monitoring, and auditing—delivering a crucial extra layer of protection for the most valuable assets in the data center.

A Range of Locking Options

All types of facilities, from small edge locations to colocation sites to large hyperscale facilities, need to address cabinet-level security. Several options are available for replacing standard cabinet locks, ranging from replacing the locking mechanism core to keyless combination handles to smart electronic systems requiring badges.

Combination handles provide another option for replacing the standard key-based lock. Combination locks offer some advantages: Users don't have to carry keys, eliminating the risk of key loss, theft, or duplication. Changing the entry code is easy. These locks deliver basic security but lack the more sophisticated controls of electronic locks.

Another common approach involves Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) locks. SFIC enables changing the core of the locking mechanism without having to replace the entire lock assembly. A local locksmith can make the change, so a data center operator can provide keys to customers which open only their cabinets. This feature is useful where security needs to be frequently updated.

Electronic handles offer the highest level of cabinet security and come with a wide variety of access control options. Some have built-in intelligence; they can be set up with card readers to require a badge or HID card for access, while more sophisticated versions include intelligent door position sensors or contact sensors. Some smart locks can be integrated with DCIM and BMS software to manage cabinet access and maintain audit trails, logging each access attempt.

Legrand Cabinet Security 

Legrand recognizes the need for cabinet-level access control to protect customers’ investments in AI and other data-intensive technologies, as well as the sensitive information they can hold. The Legrand SmartLock System is a networked, intelligent access-control system that addresses evolving cabinet-level physical security requirements.

The system is scalable, integrates with DCIM and BMS software, and supports electronic handles from popular cabinet access control manufacturers. It creates an audit trail for compliance purposes, provides real-time access-control monitoring and alarms, and enables remote lock/unlock for defined users and groups.

SmartLock Systems are available in basic, standard, and advanced options, offering choices tailored to your access and control needs. Besides safeguarding data, cabinet access control helps protect against unintentional actions, further guarding the integrity and performance of data center servers. 

When designing or selecting your ideal cabinet, cabinet-level access control should be considered alongside airflow management, cable organization, and power distribution. The Legrand T-Series platform supports integration with intelligent locking systems like SmartLock, enabling a unified, secure, and scalable infrastructure. By including cabinet security as a core design element, you can secure both the physical hardware and the critical data it supports.

To learn more about our customizable server and network cabinets, visit here. Alternatively, explore our electronic door locking systems here.