storage encryption

The main advantage of storage encryption in a SAN is the fact that it hardens the core of the network at relatively low cost. Multiple ciphers can be used for individual files, folders, or data volumes. In addition, two encryption arrangements can be used, one for data in transit and the other for stored and archived data. The ciphers, and the corresponding decryption keys, should be changed frequently.

Two criteria are said to help determine the potential effectiveness of any storage security plan. First, the cost of implementing the plan should be a small fraction of the value of the protected data. Second, it should cost a potential hacker more, in terms of money and/or time, to compromise the system than the protected data is worth. In this respect, storage encryption is often seen as an ideal solution. However, it is not completely foolproof, and is best used with other security measures such as hardware zoning. Because it works proactively, a relatively simple storage encryption arrangement can pay for itself in a short time. Storage encryption is an important element in what is referred to as deperimeterization.

Read more about storage encryption: - Neoscale Systems has published several papers on storage encryption and security.

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED CONTENT Atrato adds disk encryption, cozies up to Seagate Atrato joins the growing list of storage vendors offering disk encryption, but analysts suspect it has more to do with building a relationship with... SNW Notes: Encryption focus shifts to disk drives With vendors, such as EMC, IBM, Seagate and LSI on board, disk encryption becomes hot; Marriott goes green with underground data center. Storage vendors beef up security EMC, HP, Brocade and Hifn roll out products for storage security, including encryption; Pillar introduces clustered storage controllers.

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary hard drive shredder  (SearchStorage.com) Storage as a Service (SaaS)  (SearchStorage.com) Storage as a Service (SaaS) is a business model in which third-party providers rent space on their storage to end users that lack the capital budget...