Iron Mountain Data Centers bolsters industry-leading compliance program with ENS certification in Madrid

Iron Mountain Data Centers bolsters industry-leading compliance program with ENS certification in Madrid

By Jim Henry, Global Director of Operational Standards & Compliance at Iron Mountain Data Centers

I am pleased to announce that our Madrid facility has successfully achieved ENS Alto certification, the highest level of Spain's National Security Scheme (Esquema Nacional de Seguridad). This significant achievement strengthens our industry-leading compliance program while expanding our capacity to serve critical markets throughout Spain and Europe.

Understanding ENS Certification

ENS certification represents one of Europe's most comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. Established by Spain's Office of Information Security under the Office of National Security, this regulation sets stringent security and compliance requirements for organizations conducting business with Spanish public entities, including government agencies, airports, and public sector organizations.

The framework operates across three certification levels—low, moderate, and high—with each tier corresponding to the security requirements of the end users' operations. Our Madrid facility achieved ENS Alto, the highest certification level, positioning us to serve the most demanding security requirements in the Spanish market.

What distinguishes ENS from traditional audits is its comprehensive scope. The certification process evaluates both the cybersecurity of operational technology systems running our data center and our physical security infrastructure. This holistic assessment encompasses nearly 100 individual requirements and controls that organizations must meet to demonstrate robust security posture.

Strategic Market Significance

ENS certification addresses a fundamental market reality: it is often a legal requirement for organizations serving Spanish public entities. This compliance obligation extends beyond direct public sector work—any service provider whose customers conduct business with these entities must also maintain ENS certification, creating a cascading requirement throughout the supply chain.

For hyperscalers and cloud providers targeting the Spanish market, ENS certification has become an essential prerequisite. Without this certification, data center providers cannot access public sector opportunities or support customers serving these critical markets. In a competitive landscape where established players like Equinix already maintain ENS certification, our achievement establishes the compliance foundation necessary to compete effectively.

The certification delivers particular value given our Madrid facility's substantial available capacity and Spain's accelerating digital transformation initiatives. ENS Alto certification provides a compelling differentiator for attracting hyperscalers and enterprise customers with stringent security requirements.

The Certification Process

Achieving ENS Alto certification required an intensive commitment from our global team over a period of approximately 14 months. The process began with 12 months of comprehensive preparation, during which our existing compliance infrastructure provided a strong foundation for meeting Spain's specific regulatory requirements.

We made the strategic decision to partner with Aenor, one of Spain's most respected audit firms, to conduct our certification assessment. This choice reinforced our commitment to working with recognized local expertise while ensuring the highest standards of evaluation. The audit process itself spanned two and a half months, involving a thorough examination of our cybersecurity systems, operational technology, and physical security measures.

The certification process validated the strength of our global compliance framework. Our comprehensive approach to security and compliance, developed through years of serving diverse international markets, proved instrumental in successfully meeting Spain's demanding ENS requirements. The rigorous preparation and assessment demonstrated our team's capability to excel in complex regulatory environments.

Enhancing Our Comprehensive Compliance Portfolio

ENS certification represents a strategic addition to our industry-leading compliance program, which includes ISO 27001 and numerous other international standards. While ENS is designed to integrate with established frameworks like ISO 27001, it imposes additional specific requirements that extend beyond traditional information security standards.

This achievement underscores our commitment to maintaining the most comprehensive compliance portfolio in the data center industry. Our global approach to security and compliance enables us to serve customers across regulated industries and geographic markets, from healthcare and financial services to government and defense sectors.

The Madrid ENS certification also establishes a foundation for future expansion across our Spanish operations. As our Madrid campus continues to expand with additional facilities coming online, we are well-positioned to extend ENS compliance across our growing Spanish footprint while maintaining certification through the required biennial renewal process.

Strategic Implications in Spain

ENS Alto certification positions our Madrid facility as a premier destination for organizations requiring the highest levels of security and compliance in the Spanish market. For hyperscalers evaluating infrastructure partners, government entities seeking compliant service providers, and enterprises with stringent security requirements, our certification provides the assurance and legal compliance necessary for mission-critical operations.

This certification is publicly verifiable through Spain's national registry, enabling customers to confirm our compliance status independently. The transparent nature of this verification process strengthens customer confidence while demonstrating our commitment to accountability in regulatory compliance.

The achievement reflects our organization's ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while maintaining operational excellence. As security requirements continue to evolve across European markets, our proactive approach to compliance positions us advantageously for future regulatory developments.

Future Opportunities

With ENS Alto certification now in place and substantial capacity available in Madrid, we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on growing demand for high-security data center services in one of Europe's most important markets. The certification removes a significant barrier to entry for public sector and regulated industry opportunities while providing a competitive advantage in commercial markets.

This accomplishment represents more than regulatory compliance—it demonstrates our team's dedication to excellence and our commitment to staying ahead of evolving security requirements. As organizations across Spain and Europe continue their digital transformation journeys, we stand ready to provide the compliant, secure infrastructure foundation they require.

ENS Alto certification strengthens our position in the Spanish market while reinforcing our global reputation for comprehensive compliance and security excellence.