Abstract: A method is provided for regulating access to a data storage configuration that includes a storage controller, a number of disk storage drives usefully configured as a RAID array, and a backend bus connected between the storage controller and the drives. One or more backend expansion ports are also connected to the backend bus, for use in expanding storage capacity as required. In accordance with the method, if a host device is inadvertently connected to a backend expansion port, rather than to an intended host connection port, an algorithm is implemented, preferably in a backend processor connected between the backend bus and the drives. The WWN of the host, received during a login procedure, is examined to determine whether or not the host is an authorized user of the storage configuration. If not, the backend processor is operated to prevent the host from accessing the drives, to prevent corruption of stored data.