The growing security challenge for data centres
Data centres are now essential to the digital economy. They support the cloud services, AI systems, applications and data storage that businesses and societies increasingly depend on every day. As their role grows, so does the need to protect them against a wider and more complex range of security risks.
At the same time, drone use has grown rapidly over the past decade. Once seen mainly as a specialist technology, drones are now widely used by businesses, content creators and others. As the technology becomes more capable and accessible, it is creating new challenges for security teams responsible for protecting critical sites.
For businesses managing sensitive operations, the risk is not limited to malicious drone activity. Unintentional flights by hobbyists or people unaware of restricted areas can still create disruption, uncertainty and exposure. For critical infrastructure operators, this means the airspace above a site can become a security gap if it is not monitored, understood and integrated into a wider response model.
That was the challenge facing a large Nordic data centre operator and long-standing Securitas client. The client already had a strong and well-protected perimeter, with fences, alarms, CCTV and strict access control in place. But one critical vulnerability remained: the airspace above the site.
Hobby drones had already been flown nearby. While these incidents were not malicious, they showed how drones could reach the area without being detected, creating new exposure that traditional perimeter security was not designed to handle. The security team had no clear view of what was happening, no way to assess intent and no structured response protocol.
Recognising this, the client turned to Securitas for a proactive system that could integrate with its existing security operations and close the visibility gap.
Why the client chose Securitas for drone detection
Securitas was already a trusted partner, delivering guarding services and fire safety at the site. This gave Securitas a deep understanding of the client’s operations, existing security set-up and the level of protection required for a complex data centre environment.
Working closely with the client, Securitas assessed the specific challenge drones presented and how this risk could affect the site. This included looking at the incidents that had already taken place, as well as the wider security landscape for data centres.
Based on this understanding, Securitas implemented a dedicated drone detection service that could:
- Detect and track drones in real time, providing immediate visibility over the airspace.
- Connect drone alerts directly with guards and the Securitas Operations Centre (SOC) for a faster and more coordinated response.
- Integrate drone detection into existing security operations and response procedures without adding operational complexity or fragmented systems.
This allowed the client to extend its existing security model into the airspace above the site, creating a more connected and adaptive approach.
How drone detection works in practice
In daily operations, the drone detection system acts as an additional, connected layer of security. When a drone enters the monitored airspace, it is automatically detected, and an alert is immediately sent to both the on-site guard and the SOC.
The system does more than detect the drone’s presence. It tracks its movement and identifies the location of the operator, which is critical for managing the risk effectively. From there, the response is coordinated in real time. A patrol can be dispatched to the operator’s location while the SOC supports decision-making and ensures procedures are followed.
This set-up ensures that:
- Detection is immediate and reliable.
- Information is actionable.
- Response is coordinated and controlled.
Technology provides visibility, while people ensure the right action is taken.
Deploying drone detection in a data centre environment requires careful integration. The service needed to meet strict requirements for cyber security, network access and data handling. Securitas worked closely with the client to ensure the service was secure and compliant.
Measurable impact on risk, visibility and response
The system has now been operational for several months. Even without a major incident, its value is clear: the visibility gap has been addressed.
Response has become faster and more precise, as teams now act on verified information rather than assumptions. Risk exposure is reduced, with potential threats identified earlier, before they escalate. This also helps improve confidence across both operational teams and management, who now have a clearer and more reliable view of an area that was previously unmonitored.
Beyond risk reduction, the system also strengthens the client’s position as a forward-thinking and responsible operator. By integrating drone detection into its wider security model, the client has taken a proactive step to address an emerging threat and created a more connected, adaptable security set-up for the future.
This is intelligence-led security in action.