1. A data storage system comprising: at least one drive; a key proxy; a key server; a key manager; a processor coupled to said at least one drive, wherein said processor is configured to: perform a first communication test on a path between said key proxy and said at least one drive; perform a second communication test on a path between said key proxy and said key server; attempt communication with said key manager in said data storage system by sending a command to said key manager; wherein said first communication test verifies that said path between said drive and said key proxy is operational and said second communication test verifies that said path between said key proxy and said key server is operational; and wherein said communication attempt with said key manager verifies installation and configuration parameters related to said key manager.