Seznam, also known as Seznam.cz, is one of the largest internet portals and search engines in Czechia. It operates more than 25 different services under associated brands including email, search, advertising, a contact directory and an app, with millions of unique visitors per month. To provide these services it operates two data centres; Nagoja, which takes up an area of approximately 1,200 square metres, and Kokura, which has recently been expanded with a new data hall.

Cyber-resilient, AI-powered cameras

Hanwha Vision cameras replaced existing CCTV infrastructure in Kokura, which had been installed in 2013 and required an upgrade to provide a more seamless, consistent experience for operators. The new data hall, along with Nagoja, uses Hanwha Vision devices including XNF-8010RV, XNO-8080R and XNO-C9083R cameras, which come with AI video analytics. The choice of Hanwha Vision was based on successful implementation of its cameras in past Seznam data centres, along with its proven cybersecurity credentials, AI analytics, and the ability to integrate with current infrastructure and be rolled-out in phases.

Covering a wide, high-risk area

With two data halls in each data centre location comprising 200 racks, operators need to maintain vigilance over a wide, potentially busy area that contains sensitive data that demands robust protection. To do so, 121 cameras were installed at Nagoja and 84 in Kokura, where a central control room is situated to manage the entire estate. The cameras support perimeter protection for greater security.

The power of video AI analytics

Given the potential financial and reputational costs of a data breach, it’s essential that Seznam’s data centres are fully protected at all times. This means using cyber-resilient video cameras that reduce the risk of a breach as far as possible. Likewise, operational continuity is crucial, so operators need to be able to respond swiftly to any emergencies such as potential fire or flooding. AI analytics in the systems are employed to reduce false alarms, allowing operators to respond to only those events that require their attention, and reducing fatigue from false alarms caused by wildlife, tree branches moving in the wind, and other events that do not merit action, but cause distraction. Flickering lights from servers in data centres can also trigger false alarms – something that AI cameras can reduce.

The XNF-8010RV features loitering detection, people counting and queue management to support access control into the data centres. It also has audio detection and sound classification to alert operators to shouting, screaming, glass breaking, and more. Similarly, the XNO-C9083R features accurate object detection and classification to reduce false alarms, along with effective forensic search to help operators find relevant footage for investigations. Operators can monitor inside the data centres plus outside the buildings — to monitor people as they enter and exit the area, and ensure that no unauthorised individuals enter restricted areas.

Ensuring no cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Data centres can be attractive targets for malicious actors, so reducing potential vulnerabilities in their CCTV infrastructure is vital. Hanwha Vision devices come with several cybersecurity trustmarks that highlight the company’s ongoing commitment to securing its cameras and data. This includes National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance, which means Hanwha Vision meets an extremely high level of security and due diligence put in place for US federal agencies. Hanwha Vision is one of the few manufacturers in the video industry that has achieved the UL Cybersecurity Assurance Program (UL CAP) certification for its products. Hanwha Vision’s information security system has also been ISO 27001 certified, while the company has already announced its preparedness for the forthcoming Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and Network and Information Security Directive 2nd Edition (NIS2).

To combat evolving threats, Hanwha Vision has also invested in a unique security response team. The S-CERT team (Security Vulnerability Response Centre) continuously monitors for new threats and vulnerabilities, giving customers peace of mind that their CCTV system is as protected as possible. Finally, as a CVE® Numbering Authority (CNA), Hanwha Vision is authorised to identify, define, and catalogue publicly reported cybersecurity vulnerabilities for the benefit of users, partners and the wider information technology and cybersecurity communities.

For Seznam, the resilience of its data centres is not negotiable, as the services it provides across Czechia depend on it. Hanwha Vision is proud to be playing its part in keeping Czechia online.