News

posted on 07 April 2008 09:09

HP is adding the ability to encypt backup data flowing across a SAN to tape drives and virtual tape libraries (VTL) and to log encryption use. It is also adding encryption key generation facilties to LTO-4 tape drives and autoloaders and an online self-assessment tool for storage security.

HP MDS 9222i

HP sources the C-Series MDS Storage Media Encryption fabric switch from Cisco and has added encryption software to it.

The MDS 9222i integrates Fibre Channel and IP Storage with 18 4Gbit/s Fibre Channel ports, 4 gigabit Ethernet ports for iSCSI, a 4-port FCIP license and an expansion slot for another 48 4GBit/s FC ports or 4 10Gbit/s FC inter-switch links. It encrypts data in transit over IP LANs and WANs or while at rest on storage tape media using optional Storage Media Encryption software.

HP describes the encryption software thus: "MDS 9000 Storage Media Encryption (SME) secures data stored on tape drives and virtual tape libraries (VTLs) in a storage area network (SAN) environment using secure IEEE standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit algorithms. SME is built upon Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Level 3 system architecture and offers secure, comprehensive key management, with support for offline media recovery. The SME software is built to run on MDS 9200 and 9500 series switches and Directors using the MDS 9000 18/4 MultiServices Module or the MDS 9222i with it's built-in cryptographic engine."

It costs around $83,500.

Logging encryption use

HP's Compliance Log Warehouse appliance, which produces logs for compliance purposes, can now log encryption key use through another appliance, the Secure Key Manager which provides key management for encryption devices such as the LTO-4 tape drive. The SKM appliance costs about $100,000 whilst the updated CLW starts at around $120,000.

Tape drive and autoloader key generation

Individual LTO-4 tape drives and HP's i/8 G2 Tape Autoloader can now use a plug-in USB device to generate keys with a separate plug-in USB device backing the keys up. The two keys constitute the StorageWorks i/8 G2 and MSL LTO-4 Encryption Kit. It becomes available in June for around $2,500.

Self-assessment storage security online tool

The Storage Security Self-Assessment Tool
involves you inputting your e-mail address and then filling in an on-screen questionnaire before being told, or have suggested to you, what storage security ideas might be worthwhile entertaining.

^{[Chris Mellor.]}