Broadcom Inc. has launched its new Emulex Secure Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBA), noted as an industry-first solution designed to encrypt all data during transfer between servers and storage systems. This innovative product addresses increasing cybersecurity threats, particularly as the frequency and cost of ransomware attacks escalate, with 2024 noting an average cost of $5.37 million per attack.

To combat these risks, various governments worldwide have instituted mandates requiring robust encryption measures, including the United States' Commercial National Security Algorithm 2.0 and the European Union's Network and Information Security 2 directives. These frameworks emphasize the importance of transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic encryption and implementing zero trust architecture.

The Emulex Secure HBA offers significant advantages over traditional application-based encryption. It facilitates seamless encryption while preserving the operating efficiency of storage services, such as deduplication and compression. Notably, it allows for real-time detection of ransomware attacks, unlike application-based alternatives that may obscure such threats.

Jeff Hoogenboom, vice president and general manager of the Emulex Connectivity Division at Broadcom, stated, “Customers are seeking ways to protect themselves against crippling and expensive ransomware attacks as well as complying with new government regulations mandating all data be encrypted. The Emulex Secure Host Bus Adapter meets these needs by providing an elegantly simple solution that once installed, encrypts all data across all applications.”

The Secure HBAs feature zero trust security built on post-quantum cryptography, complying with major government mandates while providing real-time data encryption without impacting performance. They are currently available in various configurations and are expected to bolster data center security solutions significantly.