Storage networks pose threats as well

More companies seem to be bent on setting up storage networks. Gartner has estimated that company spending on network-based storage rose 11.3 percent last year. No one would be surprised if spending in 2009 matched that same growth, despite the recession.

There are a lot of issues surrounding the implementation of such networks. Given that storage networks often bring together software and hardware from multiple vendors, sprawl can easily take off. One danger is that a storage network ends up being an ad hoc sort of effort, one that leaves the enterprise vulnerable.

Processor argues that storage networks are "subject to the same vulnerabilities and attacks hampering IP networks, including denial-of-service, hacking, malicious code, and data theft...In light of the risks, it is critical to build security into the system from the very beginning." It offers three methods to strengthen storage network security: Access control, authentication and encryption. These are basics, but they might be overlooked when adding a storage device on the fly. Does anyone take the time to think about the basics? 

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