WikiLeaks has been in the news a lot recently, after they leaked over 250,000 US cables, but where is all their data actually stored? Apparently, it is in an ex-nuclear bunker in Sweden that looks like something out of a James Bond movie.
The data is stored in the Pionen Data Centre in Sweden, which used to be a bunker. It was re-designed as a data centre in 2008 by Swedish architect Albert France-Lanord, who wanted to give it the look of a James Bond set.
The Transformation of Pionen Data Centre
The Pionen Data Centre is not just any ordinary data storage facility. Originally built as a Cold War-era nuclear bunker, it was designed to withstand a hydrogen bomb blast. Located 30 meters underground in Stockholm, the facility was transformed into a state-of-the-art data centre by Bahnhof, a Swedish internet service provider. The redesign by Albert France-Lanord aimed to create a futuristic and secure environment, reminiscent of the high-tech lairs seen in James Bond films.
The facility features a range of impressive security measures, including reinforced doors, backup generators, and advanced surveillance systems. The interior design includes artificial waterfalls, greenhouses, and even a saltwater fish tank, creating a unique blend of nature and technology. This combination not only ensures the safety and security of the data stored within but also provides a visually stunning environment for the employees working there.
Why Pionen for WikiLeaks?
WikiLeaks chose the Pionen Data Centre for several reasons. Firstly, the physical security of the bunker is unparalleled. The facility’s underground location and robust construction make it highly resistant to physical attacks and natural disasters. Additionally, Sweden has strong data protection laws, providing an extra layer of legal security for the sensitive information stored by WikiLeaks.
The data centre is equipped with multiple redundant systems to ensure continuous operation. This includes backup power supplies, cooling systems, and internet connections. In the event of a power outage, the facility can continue to operate for weeks, thanks to its backup generators. This level of redundancy is crucial for an organization like WikiLeaks, which relies on uninterrupted access to its data.
Furthermore, the Pionen Data Centre is connected to multiple high-speed internet links, ensuring fast and reliable access to the stored data. This is essential for WikiLeaks, as it allows them to quickly disseminate information to the public and media outlets around the world.
You can see lots more photos of this James Bond style data centre which is currently hosting all the controversial WikiLeaks data over at , plus the BBC also has a video tour of it.
The Pionen Data Centre is a remarkable facility that combines cutting-edge technology with unparalleled security. Its transformation from a Cold War-era bunker to a modern data centre is a testament to the ingenuity and vision of its designers. For WikiLeaks, the Pionen Data Centre provides the perfect environment to securely store and manage their vast troves of sensitive information.
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