Patent ID: 9495561
Filing Date: 2016-11-15
CPC Classification: G06F

Claim Text:
1. A tape drive-implemented method comprising: receiving, at a tape drive having a microprocessor and memory, a command to be performed on a tape cartridge; mounting, by said tape drive, said tape cartridge; determining if said command requires interaction with an encryption key manager; in response to a determination that said command requires interaction with said encryption key manager, holding off on performing said command; sending, by said tape drive, a request to said encryption key manager, thereby opening a session with the encryption key manager; recognizing a target of opportunity exists during the session based on a determination that at least one special operation may be performed on said tape cartridge while said tape cartridge is mounted by evaluating parameters against predetermined criteria, wherein said parameters are stored within said tape cartridge; retrieving said parameters from said tape cartridge, in response to said determining at least one special operation may be performed, performing said at least one special operation while the session is open, wherein said at least one special operation includes sending an unauthorized request alert in response to receiving an unauthorized request for the key, wherein said at least one special operation further includes an operation selected from a group consisting of a rekey operation, a key migration operation, a key retirement operation, and; performing, by said tape drive, said command on the tape cartridge while said tape cartridge is mounted and the session is open; and demounting, by said tape drive, said tape cartridge after performing said at least one special operation and said command.