A computer program product, including a storage device storing computer readable program code executable by a processor to implement a method for corrosion protection of a tape drive based on a tape drive corrosion protection system that includes a tape drive, a temperature sensor, a heating entity, and a controller. Humidity information is determined via a humidity sensor. Temperature information, indicative of a temperature in or within the tape drive, is established via the temperature sensor. The temperature information is received at the controller. The heating entity is activated in a manner dependent on the temperature information established via the temperature sensor in order to prevent corrosion within the tape drive. Activating the heating entity is in response to a determination that the relative humidity is above a specified relative humidity threshold value and a temperature drop is above a specified temperature drop value within a specified period of time.