A tape drive-implemented method for encrypting metadata on a magnetic tape, the tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: writing an index to a magnetic tape. The index includes: metadata corresponding to a file stored on the magnetic tape, and metadata corresponding to a directory structure of the file. The tape drive-implemented method additionally includes: using a first key to encrypt a first portion of the metadata in the index corresponding to the file, and using a second key to encrypt a first portion of the metadata in the index corresponding to the directory structure of the file. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.