NEW YORK, July 8 — The figure that matters: 39% of data center operators reported a security incident involving theft or vandalism in the past year. That finding, from the Uptime Institute’s 2024 annual survey of more than 1,000 operators globally, underscores a problem that has moved from nuisance to systemic risk for critical infrastructure. Chris Noble, a senior analyst at the New York-based advisory organization, has been the lead author of the institute’s security reports since 2020.
He points to copper theft at construction sites as a particular and growing concern. The bottom line: as data centers multiply to meet demand for cloud computing and AI, their physical security is struggling to keep pace.
Noble holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and has spent 15 years working in data center infrastructure. He testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security in 2024 about the impact of theft on critical infrastructure. That testimony placed the problem squarely in the national security conversation, not just the operations budget.
Construction delays compound the problem
The Uptime Institute’s 2024 Data Center Industry Survey found that 55% of operators cited construction delays as a top concern. Investors will note the connection: theft at construction sites doesn’t just cost materials — it pushes back timelines in an industry where every month of delay means lost revenue and unmet customer demand. The institute, founded in 1993, has built its reputation on data center performance and resilience.
Its annual survey has become a benchmark for the industry. The 2024 edition, with responses from over 1,000 operators, gives the most comprehensive picture yet of the security landscape.
By the numbers, the 39% theft and vandalism figure represents a sharp increase from prior years, though the institute’s data shows the trend has been building. Noble has tracked the rise in copper theft specifically, noting that construction sites — often sprawling, with valuable materials left exposed — have become prime targets.
What operators are up against
Data centers are not typical construction projects. They involve massive amounts of copper wiring for power distribution and grounding. A single facility can contain tens of thousands of pounds of the metal.
At current commodity prices, that makes them attractive targets for organized theft rings. The Uptime Institute’s research indicates that the problem extends beyond construction.
Operational facilities also face risks, though the survey data breaks out theft and vandalism as a combined category. The 39% figure covers both, with theft — particularly of copper — driving the majority of incidents. Noble’s background in electrical engineering gives him a technical lens on the problem.
Copper theft doesn’t just cost money; it can compromise the electrical integrity of a facility. Stolen grounding wire, for example, creates safety hazards and can lead to equipment damage or downtime.
What to watch next
The Uptime Institute’s 2025 survey is now in the field, and operators will be watching to see whether the 39% figure rises or falls. Industry observers expect the numbers to remain elevated as long as copper prices stay high and construction activity continues at its current pace. Noble and his team are also tracking whether operators are investing in better security — more fencing, cameras, lighting, and on-site guards — or whether the problem is being treated as a cost of doing business.
The answer will shape the industry’s risk profile for years to come.
