S 1.31 Remote indication of malfunctions

Initiation responsibility: PBX System Manager, IT Security Officer, Head of IT

Implementation responsibility: Administrator

IT equipment and support devices operating fully automatically or only requiring manual operation on rare occasions are often set up in closed and locked rooms (such as server rooms). As a result, malfunctions that are still in their early stages (and therefore easy to repair) and do not affect the IT yet are usually detected much later based on their impact on the IT. Fire, a malfunctioning UPS, or the failure of an air conditioner are examples of such "creeping" threats.

Remote indication allows detection of such incidents prematurely. Nowadays, many devices an organisation relies on but that cannot be tested or monitored continuously provide a connection for remote fault indication. The technical capabilities for remote fault indication range from simple contacts for connecting a warning lamp to computer interfaces with a corresponding software package for the most common operating systems. The interfaces can often be used to determine the current operating status of each device connected to the interface, which then enables a prompt response in the event of a failure.

Review questions:

• Is there a remote indication of malfunctions for IT devices and support systems requiring protection without direct monitoring of personnel?