Encryption is a critical component of a comprehensive data protection strategy, helping organizations safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access. Commvault provides built-in encryption capabilities that protect backup, archive, replication, and recovery data throughout its lifecycle. By encrypting data before it is stored and ensuring that only authorized users can access the corresponding encryption keys, Commvault helps organizations strengthen security, support regulatory compliance, and improve cyber resilience.
Commvault supports two encryption approaches: Software Encryption and Hardware Encryption. Each approach addresses different deployment requirements while providing strong protection for backup data.
Software Encryption
Software Encryption protects data by encrypting it within the Commvault software before it is written to storage. It supports backup, archive, replication, and auxiliary copy operations across disk, cloud, and tape storage targets.
Key benefits include:
- Encryption of data at rest across multiple storage types.
- Support for industry-standard encryption algorithms, including AES-256.
- Centralized encryption key management through the CommServe platform.
- Flexible configuration at the client, subclient, storage policy, and replication levels.
- Enhanced security for cloud, disk, and hybrid environments.
Software Encryption is ideal for organizations that require end-to-end protection for backup data regardless of the underlying storage infrastructure.
Hardware Encryption
Hardware Encryption leverages the built-in encryption capabilities of supported tape drives and tape libraries. Encryption processing is performed directly by the storage hardware as data is written to tape, minimizing the performance impact on backup infrastructure.
Key benefits include:
- High-performance encryption with minimal CPU overhead.
- Protection of tape media against loss, theft, or unauthorized access.
- Integration with library-managed or Commvault-managed encryption keys.
- Support for secure long-term retention and offsite tape storage.
- Simplified compliance with security and regulatory requirements.
Hardware Encryption is best suited for tape-based environments where maximizing backup performance and securing physical media are key priorities.