Distributed data storage system with backward attestation

A method comprising:

• connecting an attestation module to the first data storage device;
• attaching the first data storage device to a distributed data storage network comprising a network controller connecting the first data storage device to a host and a second data storage device;
• preventing the first data storage device from initializing into the distributed data storage network with the attestation module;
• conducting a first security evaluation of the first data storage device with the attestation module;
• verifying an authenticity of the first data storage device;
• initializing the first data storage device into the distributed data storage network;
• disconnecting the network controller from the distributed data storage network as directed by the attestation module;
• executing a second security evaluation of the network controller as directed by the attestation module;
• verifying an authenticity of the network controller;
• connecting the network controller to the distributed data storage network;
• and
• servicing a data access request from the host to the first data storage device via the network controller.