Mainframe's midlife crisis: Security

Rob van Hoboken, Consul Risk Management   Today’s Top Stories   or  Other Security Stories  

Why SaaS is Vital to Email and Web Security Bringing Order and Security to your Mobile Workforce: Corporate Mobility Policy and Device Management Achiving Compliance Through Good Governance Magic Quadrant for Application Delivery Controllers Should You Install Messaging Security Software on Your Exchange Server? Ninja: Total Email Security Learn-Fast Guide: Software as a Service is Growing Up SaaS Solutions for Remote Systems Management Learn-Fast Guide: Software as a Service is Growing Up Sign up to receive Security Resource Alerts

January 29, 2004 (Computerworld) -- Twenty years ago, mainframes sat in tight glass houses, accessed by a limited list of select employees. Today, mainframes remain a mainstay of enterprise operations. All predictions of the mainframe's imminent demise have disappeared as quickly as those predicting the end of brick-and-mortar retailing. In fact, industry sources estimate that 30 billion Cobol transactions occur daily; that's more than the number of Web page hits in the same time period.
In today's enterprise, mainframes have shattered their glass houses and are accessible by a variety of network services. In addition to conventional users of core CICS or IMS-based transactions, large organizations (including many financial services companies) are shifting applications from Wintel to Linux on the mainframe to save costs and increase performance and reliability. And Web-based applications hosted on the mainframe's Linux or Unix environment enable millions of customers to access the core transactional data needed to conduct business.
With so much traffic from so many sources -- and new government regulations aimed at consumer privacy and corporate diligence -- it's time for companies to rethink how they secure the mainframe.
Fatigue, inexperience and overconfidence trump security
Marooned on islands, with limited outside connectivity, mainframes have always been relatively easy to administer and secure. It wasn't uncommon for an organization to literally have one mainframe technician per user. Now, it's one technician per 1,000 users. Across our customer base of more than 300 large companies, we're seeing the trend: Experienced mainframe help is overworked and hard to find. You can't just plug in a firewall administrator and expect him to find his way around a spaghetti works of applications and services that were written before that administrator was even born.
In addition to increased connectivity and staff scarcity and knowledge, one of the largest challenges for mainframe security is complacency and overconfidence. Most companies assume that mainframes are secure, simply because of their glass-house heritage. I recently visited a very large European bank that boasted about mainframe security. I made the wrong assumption; with so many applications hosted on the mainframe, it was relatively easy for an insider to abuse and compromise the system. Sensitive data could be copied, records deleted, and all traces of this activity could be removed.
In particular, mainframes are vulnerable to three major types of threats:

1. Malicious data access: Hackers and trusted users have increased potential to access the mainframe's core data repository just like any other platform. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and other standards all point to the need to protect data accountability and integrity. The mainframe can't be an exception.


2. Self-inflicted mistakes: A generation of mainframe masters is quickly retiring, and less qualified or less experienced technical staffers (often rushed and overworked) can inadvertently change code or settings to open up holes or deliver too much authorization to the system.


3. Aged software: The strength of the mainframe is that you can continue to run the old reliable software without too much maintenance. But even mainframe software needs checks, patches and updates to close gaps or simply improve security.

Continued... 1 | 2 | 3 | NEXT   Print this Story Send Us Feedback E-mail this Story Digg this Story Slashdot this Story "Yes, NASA has confirmed that some laptops taken to the International Space Station were infected with an online-gaming password stealing..." Read more... "Linux is more secure than most operating systems, but Not if you don't practice basic security measures..." Read more... Read more Security posts or See all Blogs Cellular operators say they're ready for Gustav Psystar calls Apple a 'monopoly' in antitrust charges Doubt cast on Seinfeld as Windows TV ads near More top stories... IT workers hit hardest by offshore outsourcing, survey finds Microsoft: No more Windows Live Mail crashes with IE8 Beta 2 Microsoft warns of IE8 lock-in with XP SP3 Telecommuting: 6 questions to ask before you say yes Telework can change office dynamics in ways you hadn't anticipated. Proceed cautiously. Wi-Fi tweaks for speed freaks Got a painfully slow connection or random dead spots? Our tips will help you get the most out of your wireless network. 5 ways to drive your best workers out the door Listen up, managers: Employees don't quit the job; they quit you. Ultraportable laptops: Their rise and possible fall Netbooks, ultraportables, mini-notebooks — whatever you call them, they've been grabbing headlines. Are they here for the long term or just a flash in the pan? Windows Vista A to Z Reviews, analyses, how-tos, visual tours, hot issues and predictions about Microsoft's new OS. More Continuing Coverage After 9/11: Homeland Security Apple's iPhone Ask a Premier 100 IT Leader Bill Gates steps down BlackBerry Legal Battle Data Security Breaches Electronic Voting Firefox H-1B Visas HP's Boardroom Scandal Handheld Devices Hurricane Katrina Aftermath Microsoft Legal Issues Microsoft's Vista Open Source RFID Technology SCO's Linux Fight Sarbanes-Oxley Act Spam Voice Over IP Wi-Fi Windows Meta File Vulnerability Windows XP Service Pack 3 IT Careers 2010 Four years from now, the IT field will be a vastly different place. Will you be ready? More Special Reports Premier 100 IT Leaders 2007 Best in Class 2006 Computerworld Horizon Awards 2006 Premier 100 IT Leaders 2006 Salary Survey 2007 Best Places to Work in IT 2007 IT Forecast 2007 Premier 100 IT Leaders 40 Years of Computerworld ASPs, Take Two Best Places to Work in IT 2003 Best Places to Work in IT 2004 Best Places to Work in IT 2005 Best Places to Work in IT 2006 Business Intelligence Home Runs Business Intelligence: Smarter BI Business Intelligence: The Future of BI CRM Goes Vertical CRM: Sober CRM Career Planning Guide 2005 Careers: IT Profession 2010 Computerworld Horizon Awards 2005 Data Management: Mining for Gems Data Management: Taming Data Chaos Development: Hard-Workin' Web Sites Development: New Tools New Choices Development: The New World of Application Development Development: The Web Services Tsunami Development: Web Services Hurdles Disaster Recovery: Preparing for the Worst E-commerce Grows Up E-mail/Groupware: Big Decisions Faces of Mobile IT Forecast 2006 Global Mobile Hardware: Multiple Cores, Multiple Challenges Hardware: On-Demand Un-Hyped Hardware: The Shape of Things to Come Horizon Awards: 10 Cool Cutting Edge Technologies IT Management: Guide to Managing Vendors IT Management: Navigating Global IT IT Management: Recovery Ahead IT Management: The Future of IT IT Management: The Resourceful Project Manager Innovative Technology Awards 2004 Management: Reinventing IT Microsoft in Transition Mobile/Wireless Leaders and Laggards Mobile/Wireless: The Untethered Worker Mobile/Wireless: Tiny Gadgets, Huge Costs Network Management: Taking Control Networking: Turbulence Ahead! Networking: VoIP Goes Mainstream Operating Systems: In the Slow Lane Operating Systems: Linux Goes Global Operating Systems: Should You Nix Unix? Outsourcing: Offshore Buyer's Guide Outsourcing: Outsourcing Dangers Premier 100 IT Leaders 2004 Best in Class Premier 100 IT Leaders 2005 Best in Class ROI: Do the Math! Salary Survey 2003 Salary Survey 2004 Salary Survey 2005 Security Action Plan Security: Compliance Headaches Security: Proactive Security Security: Risk and Reward Security: Tips From Security Pros Souped-up Security Storage: Battling Complexity Storage: Cheap & Secure Data Stores Storage: Stretching Your Storage Dollars Storage: The Lean Storage Machine Storage: The New Rules of Storage Storage: The Ultimate Backup Guide Supply Chain: Missing Links Supply Chain: RFID Reality Check The Business of Security Web 2.0 Security Wireless: Wireless At Work All Zones Application Performance Zone Business Continuity Zone The File Data Management Zone Security Management Zone ITIL Best Practices Zone The SAS Zone Business Intelligence and Analytics Zone Windows Protection Zone Identity & Security Management Zone See your link here From Laggard to Leader: Transforming the Data Center From Laggard to Leader: Transforming the Data Center Register for this complimentary live webcast today! Go to the webcast  Computerworld Executive Bulletin: Building a Robust Antivirus Defense Download this Executive Bulletin (a $49.95 value) for free, compliments of MessageLabs. (Source: MessageLabs) Antivirus software alone isn't enough to prevent today's speedy, sophisticated virus attacks. Security managers should consider multitiered approaches that include behavior scanning, appliances that check e-mail for worms, and restricting user access to dangerous Web sites. Download this Executive Bulletin (a $49.95 value) for free, compliments of MessageLabs, to learn more. Download this executive briefing  Online Security Issues in Regulated Industries Download this research paper, free for a limited time, compliments of Webroot! (Source: Webroot Software) In June 2008, Computerworld invited IT and business leaders to participate in a survey on online security initiatives at their organizations. The goal of the survey was to better understand Web and e-mail security issues faced today within the regulated education, financial services, government and health care industries. The following report represents top-line results of that survey. Download this white paper  White Papers Read up on the latest ideas and technologies from companies that sell hardware, software and services. Archiving Compliance with Sunbelt Exchange Archiver The Impact of Messaging and Web Threats Advanced Load Balancing: 8 Things You Need to Handle Today's Network Traffic View more whitepapers  Cellular operators say they're ready for Gustav IT workers hit hardest by offshore outsourcing, survey finds Psystar calls Apple a 'monopoly' in antitrust charges More top stories  Security Management Zone Security management is the process of developing a comprehensive data protection plan. It takes into account all potential threats, the existing network environment, the future needs of the organization, and lays out a multi-tiered blueprint to integrate the security technology needed to combat these threats. CDW can help keep your network and data secure. Visit the CDW Security Management Zone now See All Zones Fired up about IT? Join Sharkbait and share your true tales of IT. SharkBait is the place for you to sound off about everything IT – the good, the bad, and the rest of the weird stuff you deal with every day. New baits Identity & Security Management Solve your compliance problems and mitigate risk. Automate, validate and enforce business governance with Novell Identity Management and Security solutions. Learn more in the Identity & Security Management Zone See All Zones In Security Stripping away the trappings of applications, systems and networks, information is the core asset of most organizations. Our columnist describes how asserting the importance of information governance is crucial to making that asset tangible, addressable and protected. Click here to read the latest column by Jon Espenschied Sponsored Links The Secure Web Gateway. Mission Critical For Business - Webcast Join Tech OnTap: NetApp's monthly technical newsletter. HP Color LaserJet CP4005n printer. Now $899. SHOP NOW JBoss Application Platform on Dell Servers. Learn more. Ever been to a virtual conference? Introducing Storage Networking World Online! Instant server virtualization. Free download! Microsoft System Center - Designed for Big Renowned Engineering Institution Chooses AMD Processor-Based Servers WHITEPAPER: IT Users Discuss New Ways to Protect Enterprise Data Get Extreme Storage for Extreme Business with HP. Save up to 62% plus 2 FREE Gifts from Omaha Steaks. HP LaserJet P4014n printer Starting at $699 after $100 IS. BigFix - Before all Hell breaks loose on your network! Learn about the software-based VoIP solution from Microsoft. Kodak i600: Easy on your operators and your bottom line. Learn more about the i600 now. Virtual Event: Data Center Directions -- Navigating a Sea of Change in Server Technologies and Trends Not All QSAs Are Created Equal: What You Should Know Before You Buy The arrival of Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) marks a new era in storage scalability The AMD Virtual Experience Virtual Trade Show "The Definitive Guide to Security Management" Chapter 1: Introduction to Security Management Defy the laws of reporting - introducing Crystal Reports(R) 2008. Discover it now. Meet Windows Server 2008. The server unleashed. Web Hosting UK - Cheap Windows Linux PHP MySQL ASP MSSQL Hosting in UK Beyond consolidation: five reasons why you should start virtualizing How-to video: Smart steps to efficient power management Listen to Industry Experts and Engage with Top Visionaries at SNWOnline Quit using costly software. Add to your bottom line. See how. Thompson Cigars: Fine Hand Rolled Cigars only $19.95 and includes Free Shipping: Meet Windows Server 2008. The server unleashed. Make data protection more efficient with NetBackup. Empower your business with adaptive networks. Visit the IDG Building the Adaptive Network site, sponsored by ProCurve Networking by HP. Microsoft Forefront makes defending your systems easier. Learn how at easyeasier.com Go Green Without Sacrificing Server Performance Rushed? Work Less. Deliver More. Crystal Reports(R) Server 2008. Try it now 64-Page prescriptive guide to security, compliance, and IT operations. Intercept Spam & Viruses With MessageLabs Leverage Your Cisco infrastructure for Superior Application Performance Learn about the AMD Virtual Experience Learn how to make the most of your IT investments in this live webcast. Migrating from ERwin®toPowerDesigner® by Sybase About Us Advertise Contacts Editorial Calendar Help Desk Jobs at IDG Privacy Policy Reprints Site Map CIO Computerworld CSO DEMO GamePro Games.net IDG Connect IDG World Expo Infoworld The Industry Standard ITworld JavaWorld LinuxWorld MacUser Macworld Network World PC World Playlist Copyright © 2008 Computerworld Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express wr