Patent ID: 8051053

Claim:
A file storage unit for storing data files via an external file interface, said external file interface accessible to a directly attached external unit said file storage unit comprising: a physical file storage for storing files homogenously on at least part of said physical file storage; said external file interface for direct access of said external unit supporting sector level commands for direct-attached storage; a storage firewall located in between said physical file storage and said external file interface containing sector level rules associated with respective files having a file access restriction for allowing or blocking sector level requests between said external file interface and said at least part of physical file storage for storing files homogenously; a policy mode indicator containing a policy mode for altering said sector level rules of said storage firewall whereby said file storage unit autonomously allows or blocks access to said files having file access restriction from said directly attached external unit according to said sector level rules associated with said files having a file access restriction and said policy mode of said policy mode unit.