Table of ContentsLibraryView in Frames

FAQs related to tampering scenarios

Following are some questions related to tampering scenarios.

Is it possible to deactivate SnapLock and start deleting WORM files?

You can remove the SnapLock license. however, files that are already in the SnapLock state retain their immutable WORM protection. The only disadvantage of removing the SnapLock license is that you can no longer put new files into the WORM state, or create new SnapLock volumes.

Is it possible to defeat the retention date protection and delete files by changing the system clock to the future?

No, file deletion is not possible on a Data ONTAP release that does not have a ComplianceClock. The ComplianceClock is a secure time base that can be initialized only once. The ComplianceClock is immune to tampering with the system clock.

Is it possible to get rid of incriminating records without trace by copying to a new SnapLock volume (minus the incriminating records) and redirecting the archival application to the new volume?

No, each SnapLock volume has a unique UUID, which is typically tracked by the archival application, or as part of the company's archival policies. A new SnapLock volume can never re-create the unique ID of the original volume with incriminating records, thus defeating any spoofing attempt.

Is it possible to take a compliance volume offline and move it to another storage controller with a different time set and then reinitialize the ComplianceClock?

You can move the volume, but you cannot reinitialize the ComplianceClock. If the ComplianceClock is already initialized on the system, but does not match the ComplianceClock stored in the volume that you have moved, the least of the two will be used for determining expiration.

What needs to be done if the storage system is powered off for a while, and now the ComplianceClock is behind the system clock?

You do not need to fix this issue because the ComplianceClock catches up to the system clock at the rate of one week per year. This is to prevent any tampering with the retention date.

Is it possible to rename SnapLock volumes?

SnapLock Enterprise volumes can be renamed. However, for compliance reasons, you cannot rename SnapLock Compliance volumes.