A system and method to make file handles opaque to other network devices
is provided. The system and method encrypts a file handle after it is
generated and returns the encrypted file handle to a requesting client.
The system and method may also generate a hash table storing hash key, a
copy of the encrypted file handle and a copy of the unencrypted file
handle. Upon a later receipt of an encrypted file handle, the system and
method may hash the encrypted file handle to identify an appropriate hash
table entry and it's associated unencrypted hash key. Alternately, the
system may decrypt every received encrypted file handle and not utilize a
hash table.