Secure data with tape libraries

Tape libraries have been experiencing a rebirth for some time now. Once considered old-fashioned, they now offer large and above all cost-effective capacity for cold or archive data. What few people know: Tape is also one of the most reliable storage solutions for data backup and recovery. The advantage of tape over other storage media is that tape can be physically disconnected from the network very easily.

Modern tape libraries take advantage of this and offer a range of specially developed security functions to prevent ransomware attacks and restore data under all circumstances.

To make this possible, companies must ensure that the tape library they choose has these five additional security functions:

1. offline partitions to protect against ransomware

Tape storage is characterized by the fact that it can be removed from the network very easily. Thanks to special library software and logical tape blocking, a completely isolated data vault can be created within the tape library. Such an offline partition provides a protected area in which data on tape cannot be infected with ransomware. The library's management software automates this vault function so that the tapes do not have to be moved manually or physically. This significantly reduces the risk of loss or destruction. A proprietary function called "Ransom Block" goes even further: it guarantees protection against any errors in the software used. After all, any software can have vulnerabilities. Ransom Block completely eliminates this possibility by creating a physical air gap as an additional layer of protection: The tape magazine is unloaded until it is physically blocked. Although the robot can scan the barcodes for an inventory, it cannot pick up the tape media and insert them into the drives. This air gap remains active until a human physically pushes the magazine back into the library.

2. immutability of the data is ensured

Extended Data Lifecycle Management (EDLM) can ensure the immutability and readability of data through automatic integrity checks. This function should be a mandatory part of a modern data protection strategy and is also very useful for reporting and auditing. Detailed reports can be used to balance system resources, improve data security and optimize budgets and planning. Automated, this saves a lot of time and effort.

3. additional protection through multi-factor authentication

Multi-level authentication can be used to protect the administrator account of the tape library with an additional level of security using a unique, time-based password. Only by entering the additional password can the management interface be accessed remotely and the browser-based user interface used.

4. increase the level of security with an encryption manager

An external "Encryption Key Manager" can be used to automate and simplify the management of encryption keys, reducing the risk of tampering and data loss. This FIPS-validated solution offers maximum security. Today, many systems use AES 256-bit encryption, which meets military standards.

5. proactive monitoring and diagnosis of the library

Proactive monitoring and diagnostics ensure that the entire system functions properly and that any errors are detected at an early stage. Cloud-based analyses not only provide a real-time overview of system performance, but also tools for preventive error avoidance.

Modern tape libraries are also sustainable

Modern tape libraries prevent extreme situations, such as successful ransomware attacks, and guarantee the recovery of data. In addition, modern tape storage solves many infrastructure challenges, including making IT more sustainable. As a storage layer, tape can reduce the energy consumption, CO2 emissions and disposal costs of IT infrastructure by replacing energy-intensive, permanently rotating HDDs. To benefit from both sides of the coin, companies should make sure that the tape library is equipped with the latest data backup functions before making a purchase. This means state-of-the-art software for easy automated management, robust air-gap, multi-factor authentication, proactive monitoring and diagnostics, and an encryption manager. Purchasing such a tape library saves costs for cold and backup data, simplifies administration and offers the highest level of data security.