Abstract: An authentication system for securing information within a disk drive to be read and written to only by a specific host computer such that it is difficult or impossible to access the drive by any system other than a designated host is disclosed. While the invention is similar in intent to a password scheme, it significantly more secure. The invention thus provides a secure environment for important information stored within a disk drive. The information can only be accessed by a host if the host can respond to random challenges asked by the disk drive. The host's responses are generated using a cryptography chip processing a specific algorithm. This technique allows the disk drive and the host to communicate using a coded security system where attempts to break the code and choose the correct password take longer to learn than the useful life of the disk drive itself.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a host-based IDS on an HP-UX intrusion detection system that enhances local host-level security within the network. It should be understood that the present invention is also usable on, for example, Eglinux, solaris, aix windows 2000 operating systems. It does this by automatically monitoring each configured host system within the network for possible signs of unwanted and potentially damaging intrusions. If successful, such intrusions could lead to the loss of availability of key systems or could compromise system integrity.