Patent ID: 7853019
Filing Date: 2010-12-14
Classification: G06F,G09C,G11B,H04L

Abstract:
1. A failover security system for a host system with at least two paths to a back up tape storage system, wherein the host system is arranged to enable a single primary path among the paths and detect a failover in the primary path and, in response, send data to the tape system via an alternative path, the security system comprising: at least two security appliances each comprising a processor and a memory, with one arranged in the primary path and one in the alternative path between the host and the tape system, wherein the security appliance in the primary path intercepts data transfers between the host and the tape system, and wherein the security appliance encrypts data from the host and stores that encrypted data onto the tape system, and correspondingly, decrypts encrypted data from the tape system and delivers unencrypted data to the host; a communication channel among or between the at least two security appliances; and wherein when a tape is initialized by the host, an encryption key is generated in the security appliance in the primary path, and that encryption key is broadcast to the other security appliances via the communication channel.