Understanding and Implementing AS400 Security Levels – All You Need to Know!

As businesses increasingly rely on robust IT systems for their operations, ensuring the security of these systems is paramount. The AS400 (IBM i) platform, known for its reliability and versatility, offers a comprehensive security framework designed to protect data and operations. This guide will explore the various AS400 security levels within the system and provide detailed best practices for implementing and managing these security measures. By the end of this guide, you should have a clear understanding of how to secure your AS400 environment effectively.

Introduction to AS400 Security Levels

The AS400 system provides multiple layers of security to protect data, applications, and overall system integrity. These security levels can be categorized as:

• Network Security
• System Security
• Object Security
• User Security
• Data Security

Each level plays a crucial role in safeguarding the AS400 environment. Understanding these layers is essential for effective security management.

1. Network Security

Network security focuses on protecting data as it travels across networks and ensuring that only authorized users can access the system.

Best Practices for Network Security:

• Use Secure Protocols: Implement SSL/TLS to encrypt data in transit. This ensures that data sent between the AS400 system and users or other systems is secure.
• Configure Firewalls: Set up firewalls to restrict access to the AS400 system to trusted IP addresses only. This prevents unauthorized external access.
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Use VPNs to secure remote access to the AS400 system. VPNs encrypt the data traffic between remote users and the system.
• Network Segmentation: Divide the network into segments to limit the spread of potential attacks and isolate critical systems. For example, separate the network for user access from the one used for database access.

2. System Security

System security involves securing the AS400 operating system and its configurations to prevent unauthorized access and ensure system integrity.

Best Practices for System Security:

• Patch Management: Regularly update the system with the latest patches and firmware updates to protect against vulnerabilities. Schedule updates during low-usage periods to minimize disruption.
• Security Policies: Define and enforce comprehensive security policies that cover all aspects of system usage. Policies should include guidelines for password complexity, user authentication, and data handling.
• Audit Logs: Enable and monitor audit logs to track system activities and detect suspicious behavior. Regularly review logs to identify and investigate any anomalies.
• Security Levels: Set appropriate system security levels (QSECURITY system value) based on organizational needs. Higher security levels offer more stringent controls but may require more administrative effort.

3. Object Security

Object security controls access to objects such as files, programs, and data on the AS400 system. It ensures that only authorized users and processes can interact with these objects.

Best Practices for Object Security:

• Authority Levels: Assign appropriate authority levels to objects (e.g., *PUBLIC, *USER, *GROUP) to control access. For example, set public access to read-only for certain data files while granting write access only to specific user groups.
• Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks. Regularly review permissions to ensure they are still appropriate.
• Object Auditing: Enable object-level auditing to track access and modifications to critical objects. Set up alerts for unauthorized access attempts.
• Secured Libraries: Use secured libraries to protect sensitive programs and data from unauthorized access. Restrict access to these libraries to only those who need it for their work.

Also read: What are the best-practices you need to follow for improved AS400 security?

4. User Security

User security involves managing user accounts and their permissions to ensure that only authorized individuals can access the AS400 system and its resources.

Best Practices for User Security:

• Strong Authentication: Implement strong password policies requiring complex passwords and enforce regular password changes. Additionally, use two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance user authentication.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Use RBAC to assign permissions based on user roles within the organization. This simplifies permission management and ensures users have appropriate access.
• Regular User Reviews: Periodically review user accounts and permissions to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect current job functions. Remove or disable inactive accounts to reduce security risks.
• User Profile Management: Implement strict controls for creating, modifying, and deleting user profiles. Ensure profiles have the minimum required permissions.

5. Data Security

Data security focuses on protecting data stored within the AS400 system, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Best Practices for Data Security:

• Data Encryption: Use encryption to protect sensitive data at rest and in transit. This ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed without authorization, it cannot be read.
• Backup and Recovery: Implement robust backup and recovery procedures to ensure data availability in case of a security breach or system failure. Regularly test backups to ensure they can be restored successfully.
• Data Masking: Use data masking techniques to protect sensitive information from unauthorized exposure. For example, mask credit card numbers in reports unless the full number is required.
• Access Controls: Implement fine-grained access controls to restrict who can view and modify specific data sets. Ensure only authorized users have access to sensitive data.

Implementing AS400 Security Levels

To effectively implement and manage AS400 security levels, follow these steps:

1. Conduct a Security Assessment

Start by assessing your current security posture to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Security Assessment Tools: Use tools like IBM Security Access Manager and IBM i Audit Journal to perform a comprehensive security assessment. These tools help identify potential vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.

Risk Analysis: Analyze potential risks and their impact on your organization. Consider factors such as the value of data, potential threats, and existing security measures.

2. Develop a Security Plan

Based on your assessment, create a security plan that addresses identified gaps and strengthens overall security.

Define Objectives: Clearly outline your security objectives and the measures needed to achieve them. Objectives might include protecting sensitive data, ensuring compliance with regulations, and preventing unauthorized access.

Prioritize Actions: Prioritize security actions based on their importance and urgency. Address critical vulnerabilities first, then move on to less critical issues.

Allocate Resources: Ensure the necessary resources, including budget and personnel, are available to implement the security plan. Assign responsibility for each security measure to specific team members.

Also read: What measures can you take to improve your AS400 security?

3. Implement Security Measures

With your plan in place, start implementing the security measures tailored to your AS400 environment.

System Configuration: Adjust system configurations to enhance security at each level. For example, configure user authentication settings, set up firewalls, and apply patches.

Security Tools: Deploy and configure security tools like firewalls, IDS/IPS, and encryption solutions. Ensure these tools are properly integrated into your system and monitored regularly.

Policy Enforcement: Update and enforce security policies to reflect new measures and ensure compliance. Communicate policies to all users and provide training as needed.

4. Monitor and Maintain Security

Continuous monitoring and maintenance are essential to keep your AS400 system secure over time.

Real-Time Monitoring: Set up real-time monitoring to detect and respond to security incidents quickly. Use tools like IDS/IPS and audit logs to track activities and identify potential threats.

Regular Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your security measures to ensure they remain effective. Schedule periodic security audits and assessments to evaluate your security posture.

Ongoing Training: Provide ongoing training to keep your staff informed about the latest security threats and best practices. Regularly update training materials to address new threats and technologies.

Conclusion

Ensuring adherence to AS400 security levels involves implementing and managing multiple levels of security to protect against modern threats. By understanding and applying best practices for network, system, object, user, and data security, you can create a robust security framework that safeguards your AS400 environment. Remember, security is an ongoing process that requires continuous vigilance and adaptation to evolving threats. Our team at Nalashaa is well equipped to help you with your AS400 security needs. Fill in the form or write to us at info@nalashaa.com today and get a free consultation!