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In this episode of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny is joined by Shane Garner, Head of Security and ICT at Pure Data Centre Group. Together, they take a deep dive into one of the world's fastest-growing technology sectors: data centres. From their growing role as critical infrastructure across Europe to the rapid expansion underway across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Steve and Shane explore what's driving the data centre boom—and what it means for security.
Drawing on a career that began "sitting on a roll of cable" as a systems integrator, Shane shares how his hands-on engineering experience has shaped his approach to security, ICT, cyber security, and operational technology (OT). Along the way, Steve and Shane explore the shift from traditional cloud infrastructure to AI-driven data centres, the growing demands on power, liquid cooling, structural design, and fibre infrastructure, and why resilience, efficiency, and security are becoming increasingly important as data centres evolve.
About Our Guest:
- Shane Garner is Head of Security and ICT at Pure Data Centre Group. With a hands-on background spanning systems integration, engineering, and design, Shane now oversees a broad range of systems across data centre design and build, including security, ICT, cyber security, OT networks, building management systems (BMS), power management systems (PMS), and extra-low voltage (ELV) infrastructure.
Chapters:
- (0:00:16) – Introduction & The GCC Data Centre Expansion
Steve and Shane open the episode discussing the global surge in data centre construction, its classification as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), and the massive expansion currently taking place across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- (0:01:45) – From "Sitting on a Roll of Cable" to Head of Security & ICT
Shane reflects on his journey from configuring servers and working in communications rooms to overseeing security and ICT, and why understanding technology at a granular level remains invaluable when designing complex data centre environments.
- (0:04:12) – The Convergence of IT, OT, and Cyber Security
A look at the thousands of Ethernet-connected controllers across cooling plant rooms, generators, and power management systems. Shane emphasizes the importance of collaborating with operations teams early to safeguard critical OT networks.
- (0:08:32) – Defence in Depth & Zero Trust and AI
Shane explains why modern physical security relies on layered perimeter controls, air-gapped zero-trust networks, active directory authentication (802.1x), and AI analytics to highlight alarms by exception rather than overwhelming control room operators.
- (0:10:47) – Audits, Threat Detection, and Wireless Risks
How data centre operators navigate stringent tenant cyber security audits. Shane discusses the strict prohibition of wireless protocols (like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) on critical plant equipment to protect against airborne drone threats and signal interception.
- (0:16:29) – Breaking Down Closed Protocols
Addressing the challenge of proprietary, closed protocols in access control and surveillance. Shane highlights the necessity of open protocols (BACnet, Modbus, open APIs) to integrate tailgating detection and anti-passback systems cleanly.
- (0:21:27) – The Shift to AI: Power, Liquid Cooling, and Structural Loads
How the industry is adapting as rack densities jump from 20kW to over 120kW. Shane details the architectural, electrical, and mechanical shifts required to implement liquid-to-chip cooling and high-density fibre infrastructure for AI workloads.
- (0:32:15) – Hyperscaler Audits and Supply Chain Due Diligence
Steve and Shane discuss how major global technology tenants evaluate vendors, conducting deep-level physical and cyber audits down to the clear-desk policies and hardware component origin.
- (0:35:44) – Digital Twins, NDAA Compliance, and Future Regulation
A look ahead at the future of data centre design. Shane explains how digital twins will allow operators to stress-test environmental conditions and network telemetry in non-live environments, alongside the rising complexity of chipset-level NDAA compliance.
Resources:
- Learn more about global data centre infrastructure at Pure Data Centre Group.
- Explore cyber security frameworks for critical infrastructure via NIST Guidelines and ISO/IEC 27001.
- Read about hardware and physical security compliance standards under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
- Integrated security solutions for data centers : Smart Data Center Solutions, Intelligent Video & Analytics | Axis Communications] | Axis Communicati…
- Securing critical infrastructure: https://www.axis.com/solutions/critical-infrastructure
- Navigating cybersecurity and supply chain transparency: Cybersecurity | Axis Communications
Meet your host Steve Kenny:
Steve has spent 15 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn
More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.
Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.
Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world
