IBM Spectrum Protect server updates
New features and other changes are available in the IBM Spectrum Protect™ Version 8.1.4 server.
- To enhance security, the default minimum length of passwords is increased
After you upgrade an IBM Spectrum Protect server to Version 8.1.4, the default minimum length for server passwords changes from 0 to 8 characters. - Take advantage of automatic certificate exchange between storage agents, library clients, and library manager servers
Beginning with IBM Spectrum Protect Version 8.1.4, you no longer have to manually configure certificates between storage agents, library clients, and library manager servers. - Optimize security by using certificates with SHA256 signatures
If a server has an MD5-signed certificate that is labeled "TSM Server SelfSigned Key" set as the default when you upgrade to IBM Spectrum Protect Version 8.1.4, the default certificate is automatically updated to use a certificate with a Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) signature. - Specify whether to enforce FIPS 140-2 requirements for encryption
Beginning with IBM Spectrum Protect Version 8.1.4, you can use the new FIPSMODE server option to specify whether non-Secure Sockets Layer operations utilize cryptographic modules that are compliant with the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2. By default, FIPS mode is disabled. - Reduce data fragmentation when you move the contents of storage pool containers
With IBM Spectrum Protect Version 8.1.4, you can specify that the contents of a storage pool container are moved into existing container space during a MOVE CONTAINER operation. Because the moved data is consolidated, you reduce data fragmentation and can help to improve system performance.