“Rostelecom” Will Build Underground Data Centers in Response to Attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces
2 November 21:41
Due to attacks by Ukraine, Russia’s largest internet service provider, Rostelecom, plans to build underground data centers. Such data centers will have a higher level of protection against external threats, DW reports, citing a top Rostelecom executive and other sources.
Protection against drone attacks and certain missile strikes
The company believes that placing servers underground can provide additional protection against drones and certain types of missile strikes. Negotiations are already underway with Norilsk Nickel regarding the construction of one of the underground data centers, a source familiar with the discussions told the media. The mining and metallurgical company has experience in underground construction and ensuring mine safety.
Underground facilities are considered the most secure because they have three levels of protection, explained a top executive at Rostelecom. The first involves creating backup sites and storing copies of data there in case the main servers are damaged. The second level of protection involves distributing computing power and services across several geographically dispersed sites. The third level involves locating data centers underground.
Ukrainian Armed Forces Strikes on Russian Data Centers
In October, Russian IT systems faced widespread problems following Ukrainian attacks on the data centers of Yandex, Sberbank, and VK in several regions of the Russian Federation. The consequences affected a wide range of digital services, including delivery services, taxis, and arbitration court websites. In some cases, judicial institutions had to reschedule hearings and declare recesses due to technical malfunctions.
Following this, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media approved recommendations for protecting data centers from drone attacks. Among other things, the Russian agency called for equipment to be housed in underground facilities.
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