About Encryption Key Management

Quantum’s Encryption Key Management (EKM) is a centralized key manager application that manages the encryption keys used as part of the LTO-4 drive-based data encryption process. Library support for the EKM application is an optional, licensed feature that must be enabled from the library in order to begin encrypting data using the LTO-4 tape drive encryption capabilities.

NOTE: EKM supports encryption on LTO-4 data cartridges using IBM LTO-4 Fibre Channel and SAS tape drives only. EKM does not support encryption on other tape drive types or manufacturer brands, even if they are assigned to a partition selected for encryption.

Tape cartridge encryption occurs natively on each LTO-4 tape drive. The encryption key store is managed outside the library by the EKM server. For more information about the EKM server and EKM best practices, please refer to the Encryption Key Management Installation and User's Guide.

Library managed tape cartridge encryption must be enabled as a library feature using a license key. For more information about enabling license keys, see Applying a License Key.

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