The key facts

  • Data centers must reserve 10% of space and capacity for systems on the 'white list'
  • In the event of an attack on a data center hosting a systemically significant resource, a backup site must be provided within 24 hours
  • Data centers may be placed under temporary administration for failing to comply with the requirement

Reserve for priority systems

Data center (DC) operators will have to reserve 10% of their space and capacity for information systems on the 'white list'. This was stated, as reported by Gazeta.Ru citing Vedomosti, by Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadaev at a meeting with data center operators.

What happens if resources are insufficient

According to the publication, if there are not enough resources to fulfill the assigned tasks, operators will have to disconnect lower-priority clients. In the event of an attack on a data center hosting data of systemically significant internet resources, a backup site must be provided within 24 hours. For refusing to reserve 10% of capacity, a data center may be placed under temporary administration.

Where the requirement comes from

The requirement is enshrined in a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin on temporary support for the functioning of information resources, signed on November 2. The document obliges data centers to keep 10% of their space and capacity in case it becomes necessary to support Russian information resources. In addition, the Ministry of Digital Development has been instructed to inventory the free capacity of private data centers, and the cabinet of ministers is to form a subcommission on the uninterrupted functioning of IT and communications facilities.