Problems backing up the KMS data files

There can be problems backing up the KMS data files with the normal NetBackup tapes or with the catalog backup.

If the KPK, HMK, and key files were included in a catalog backup, and the catalog backup tape is lost, the keystore is compromised because the tape contains everything needed to gain access to the keys.

Significant problems can exist if both the catalog backup and data tapes are lost together on the same transport truck, for example. If both tapes are lost together then that situation is not be any better than not ever encrypting the tape in the first place.

Encrypting the catalog is not a good solution either. If the KPK, HMK, and key file were included in a catalog backup, and the catalog backup itself is encrypted, you have done the equivalent of locking the keys in the car. To protect from this problem is why KMS has been established as a separate service for NetBackup and why the KMS files are in a separate directory from the NetBackup directories. However, there are solutions for backing up the KMS data files.