Dell PowerScale Receives DoD Certification

By Kevin Noreen senior product manager and Phillip Nordwall, senior principal engineer, product security engineering, Dell Technologies, Inc.

At Dell, data security is paramount and that’s why we integrated so many security-related features in the recent PowerScale OneFS 9.5 software release.

As a result of these security capabilities, OneFS 9.5 and all-flash PowerScale nodes received the US Department of Defense Approved Product List certification.

This certification validates underlying software and hardware features and is significant not only because the US federal government can build solutions with PowerScale storage, but also because all IT departments – even within non-government entities – can benefit from the advanced security features integrated into every PowerScale system.

Cybersecurity attacks are on the rise, and it is vital to ensure that IT solutions integrate the highest level of security. Since cybersecurity breaches are a constant threat, and there are no signs of attacks subsiding, organizations must utilize the most secure servers and storage in data center deployments. Dell’s IT solutions can help.

The company received the Department of Defense (DOD) Approved Product List (APL) certification based on testing by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The requirements for DOD APL certification are so stringent that very few storage products are included on the APL. US government agencies can purchase PowerScale without any further pre-approvals.

The certification is valid for PowerScale all-flash nodes (F200, F600 and F900) running OneFS 9.5. The DOD APL certification ensures security of the underlying solution, and the capabilities benefit all branches of government. Furthermore, non-government IT departments can use the DOD APL certification to demonstrate their security due diligence when purchasing PowerScale, knowing the solution passed rigorous security testing.

The re-architecting of the security framework in PowerScale OneFS that our team completed in order to prepare for DISA testing enables faster and easier implementation of future security safeguards. This means PowerScale customers, including non-DOD organizations, will benefit from timely updates and enhancements to address emerging security challenges. They can expect a storage platform that evolves with ever-changing and surging security requirements, allowing IT departments to stay ahead of potential threats.

Protecting vs. cyberthreats is a constant challenge, and Dell is leading the way. Receiving the certification for the US DOD APL is an accolade that verifies the security capabilities it integrates into PowerScale storage, and these security features are available to all of firm’s customers.

For more information, check out the recent recording from a Register webinar and an accompanying article where we discuss the security predictions for the coming year.