1. A system for granting or denying access to nodes on a network, comprising: a plurality of backup storage devices, each of the plurality of backup storage devices assigned to store back up data for a selected grouping of a plurality of backup servers; a first node coupled to the backup storage device by a network, the first node comprising an agent operable to control access to data on the first node, the first node including a list of backup servers that are permitted to backup data on the first node; and a first backup server connected to the first node across the network, wherein the first backup server is operable to seek access to the first node to perform a backup of data on the first node; and wherein upon the first backup server attempting to gain access to the first node, the agent is operable to: identify the first backup server on the list of backup servers; and package data to be transported to the backup server for storage on the backup storage device.