On a disk-by-disk basis, this would be true, but on a block-by-block basis, not true. Say a raid-5 7+1 raid set, 7/8 of the blocks making up that set will have valid data on it. Even without knowing the makeup of the data, it would probably be a fairly trivial exercise to pick out, say social security numbers, credit card numbers, etc just from the pattern of the data sitting in the blocks.
Rex -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu] On Behalf Of Mike Schwab Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 1:54 PM To: IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu Subject: Re: DS8100 HDD failures If it is configured as part of a RAID group of disks, one disk by itself should basically look like a bunch of random characters and not be able to decode any of it, because it only had 1/6 (or other fraction) of the data to begin with. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html The information contained in this e-mail may contain confidential and/or privileged information and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and that you will be held responsible for any such unauthorized activity, including liability for any resulting damages. As appropriate, such incident(s) may also be reported to law enforcement. If you received this e-mail in error, please reply to sender and destroy or delete the message and any attachments. Thank you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html
