Better Security with IBM Storage Solutions for IBM Blockchain.
Businesses have discovered a broad range of uses for blockchain technology. They can use it to share information in a way that makes sure no one cheats. Blockchain does present its own challenges, and it needs a base of solid equipment and software. The blockchain needs to be tamper-proof, and off-chain storage needs to be secure. IBM offers an integrated set of hardware and software components for the purpose, under the name IBM Storage Solutions for IBM Blockchain.
Benefits and limitations of the blockchain
A blockchain (or distributed ledger) consists of a set of linked data blocks which are cryptographically authenticated. New blocks can be added, but existing ones can never be removed or altered. New blocks can be added only as allowed by the blockchain's rules. These features allow independent parties to hold multiple copies, add new blocks, and verify them against one another.
The information on a blockchain is, by design, shared, immutable, and irrevocable. Those are its strengths, but they also put limits on suitable usage. If information is confidential, may need to be revoked or changed, or consumes a large amount of storage, it has to be stored off the chain. The blockchain holds a reference to it, and access to the information requires appropriate authorization.
The storage for the blockchain proper needs to provide high performance, be secure against improper alteration, and allow for a lot of expansion. Blockchains tend to become huge. The off-chain storage needs to be secure against unauthorized access and alteration, have a high level of availability, and scale up as necessary.
In many use cases, off-chain storage holds confidential information, such as personal health records and financial data. Keeping it secure both in transit and at rest is essential.
What IBM brings to blockchain storage
The suite of products under IBM Storage Solutions for IBM Blockchain brings hardware and software together in one package. The emphasis is on security, availability, and scalability. It gives customers the convenience of dealing with a single vendor and knowing that all the components work together.
Several of the components show the commitment to security throughout the suite.
- IBM Spectrum Protect Plus is software for protecting virtual environments. It supports multi-site data replication and rapid recovery of files and databases. Snapshot technology makes backup and recovery fast and efficient. Administrators get a single view of all covered backup and recovery status.
- IBM Cloud Object Storage is suitable for cost-effective off-chain storage of "practically limitless amounts of data." All data is encrypted on the server by default, and Aspera high-speed data transfer is available to move data securely to and from storage. The immutable object storage option prevents accidental or malicious alteration and deletion. The administrator can specify a retention period and designate legal holds on data.
- IBM FlashSystem 9100 is high-speed, high-capacity non-volatile memory storage. It can be used for on-premises and cloud-based data protection. By default, all data is encrypted at rest using AES-XTS 256 encryption. The system can use USB key encryption or IBM's Security Key Lifecycle Manager. IBM promises 99.9999% data availability.
Businesses that want a reliable approach to blockchain storage need to remember that off-chain data is usually an important part of the infrastructure. The most sensitive data will go there, so it needs to meet a high security standard.
The data is shared among multiple participants. Not all of them will have access to all the data, and certainly no one should have authority to change another participant's data. Not only does the information have to be secured against outsiders, it has to give appropriate access and no more to each participant.
IBM allows one-vendor shopping for all aspects of blockchain management and storage. Role-based and multi-user access options protect each partner's data while granting access where it's authorized. IBM is one of the most proven, reliable vendors in the industry. It offers a complete and trustworthy approach to secure blockchain and off-chain storage.
