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ZFS encryption and storage security

Protect data at rest while keeping key handling separate from data copies

Scope: Oracle Solaris 11.4 and, for LDoms, compatible SPARC hardware with Oracle VM Server for SPARC. Examples are educational: verify release, privileges, target names and backups before running changes.

How it works

Threat model

Encryption protects at-rest data but does not replace access control or backups.

Key management

Record how keys are loaded and who can recover them after reboot or disaster.

Replication

Raw versus decrypted send behavior depends on supported encryption properties and options; validate on your Solaris release.

Worked examples

Each example explains the question it answers, a reproducible starting point, what to look for, and operational precautions.

1. Inspect encryption properties

Use this as a starting point for inspect encryption properties.

zfs get -r encryption,keystatus,keylocation tank

Interpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.

Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.

2. Inspect mounts

Use this as a starting point for inspect mounts.

zfs list -o name,mounted,mountpoint

Interpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.

Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.

3. Check access controls

Use this as a starting point for check access controls.

ls -ld /tank/apps
getfacl /tank/apps

Interpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.

Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.

Primary documentation

Read the relevant Oracle documentation for exact version-specific flags, supported platforms and limitations: Oracle primary reference ↗.

This field manual is independent, not affiliated with or endorsed by Oracle. Command examples should be adapted to your environment.