Securing Tape Libraries with Multi Factor Authentication
As ransomware attacks continue to escalate, improving security has become a top priority
for businesses of all sizes.
Reducing this risk depends on establishing reliable safeguards for sensitive information.
Qualstar Q-Series Tape Libraries provides a cost-effective and highly secure medium
for offline data storage. Layered authentication
makes it more difficult for malicious actors to infiltrate the library.
Tape offers an extra layer of security because access requires specialized
knowledge and data can only be written sequentially, reducing the risk of misuse or tampering. Cartridges stored in library slots
offer some protection, but
advanced threats can still exploit backup software commands to load, overwrite, erase, or encrypt media.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) provides a powerful solution—enabling organizations to enforce strict identity
verification before any operations can be executed.
This brief explains how MFA enforces identity verification at multiple layers, ensuring only authorized users can
access or modify data in the library, reducing the risk of human error while
maintaining secure, controlled operations.
Presenting Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for Qualstar Tape Libraries:
MFA creates an additional layer of security by requiring all of the following:
— Knowledge of the password
—Possession of a physical device
—Registration with an approved authenticator app
By requiring multiple factors, MFA prevents unauthorized access even if one factor, such as a password, is compromised
Remote Management Interface (RMI)
The RMI operates at the firmware level and manages the internal control of the library, including firmware updates,
configuration changes, partition management, and hardware health monitoring By
embedding MFA directly within RMI, Qualstar ensures that only Security administrators can perform high-risk operations.
At this level, RMI protects the device from both accidental misconfiguration
and deliberate cyberattacks.
The new Feature is included at no additional cost with any new tape library. Existing customers can upgrade the
their Q24, Q40 and Q80 firmware to the latest versions, providing the library is still under
warranty or is covered by a service package.
Configuration and operation
This section briefly describes how to set up and use MFA.
Remote management interFace (RMI)
- The user opens any authenticator app on their mobile device and
scans the QR Code generated by the Q-series library.
- Enable MFA and define policy
a. Turn on MFA in the RMI settings.
b. Choose the scope.
c. Apply to all privileged roles, or
d .Apply to specific roles only.
e. Set session timeout durations.
f. Define step-up authentication thresholds
for high-risk actions (e.g., firmware updates, partition changes)
- Enroll authenticators
a. Register admin tokens or configure Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP)
b. Generate a QR code
for TOTP enrollment.
c. Scan the QR code using an authenticator app.
d. Validate clock synchronization to ensure TOTP accuracy.
- Test device actions
a. Log out and reauthenticate using the test admin account.
b. Perform a privileged action (e.g., view firmware version or change partition).
c. Confirm that MFA prompts appear and function correctly.
Benefits of MFA
— Secure (air-gapped) data storage for nearline data cartridges.
— Eliminates the need to manually handle
media to move offline.
— Invisible to backup orchestration and archive applications.
— Enables secure offline vaulting
for remote lights out environments.
— Reduces the need to expose media to the
risk of physical damage or loss during transportation.
— Prevents accidental exposure of media to connected hosts.
— Reduces operator workload and physical overhead.
Contact your
BackupWorks Account Rep today and ask about Qualstar Tape Libraries - Q24,
Q40 and Q80 Series for your Backup and Archiving Environment.
Please Call 866-801-2944 For Lowest Price
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Please Call 866-801-2944 For Lowest Price
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Please Call 866-801-2944 For Lowest Price
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