Quantum Ransom Block - Ensuring Data is Ransomware Proof
Quantum's Scalar Ransom Block is an industry-first feature of
Quantum's Scalar tape systems that eliminates the risk of data being accessed or compromised over the network. This patent-pending feature creates a hardware "block" between data stored on tapes and every network-connected device, including the robotic tape system.
Ransom Block can be initiated remotely, does not require anyone to handle tapes, ensures data cannot be accessed over the network even if the
tape library is hacked, and preserves the ability to audit the tape library.
In addition, Quantum has introduced Logical Tape Blocking, which enables administrators to use software commands to prevent tapes from being loaded into a drive while the magazine is being filled with tapes, before it is ejected. Although still software-based and not a physical blocking mechanism, this new capability further reduces the risk window until Ransom Block is initiated.
The Scalar Ransom Block feature employs a simple and unique concept to create a physical barrier between data
stored on tapes and the network connected tape library. Tapes stored in the
library sit in a magazine. Quantum’s
patent-pending design partially ejects the magazine so the tapes cannot be picked by the robot until an operator
physically re-inserts the magazine. Because the magazine is only partially ejected, the barcode scanner on the
robot can still scan the tape barcodes, so that system administrators can perform periodic audits of the tape
system to ensure tapes are still present.
The tapes are inaccessible until an operator, who must have physical access to the tape library, re-inserts the
magazine. Ransom Block provides the highest layer of security. It protects data on tapes from remote attack
as securely as exporting the media and putting it in a vault, but with the advantage that their presence may be
verified at any time, even from afar.
For more information on Quantum Ransom Block and
Quantum Scalar i3 and i6 libraries please contact your BackupWorks account rep
at 866 801 2944