In the looming cyber security landscape, cyber-attacks are likely to cost companies a staggering $10.5 trillion per year, as per McKinsey & Company.
The World Economic Forum calls it “the dark underbelly of the digital era” as the cybercrime economy accounts for $9.5 trillion, representing the world’s third-largest economy by GDP, after the United States and China.
Cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent, smart, sophisticated, expensive, refined, and threatening to businesses of all sizes.
The resources that could be employed to expand business, empower innovation, and build a more promising future for businesses and customers alike are pivoted toward mitigating cyber threats.
And in this evolving era of cybercrime, relying on an age-old security system is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
So, what about your AS400 iSeries security?
- Is it safe?
- Is your data secure on the IBM i (AS/400) system?
- If not, how do you ensure end-to-end security in this evolving era of cybercrimes?
In this blog, we emphasize the factors surrounding iSeries security in detail. And promise to deliver a complete understanding of how to secure your AS400 systems to combat modern cyber threats.
If you’re here to read some information about AS400 security and how it works, here’s what you may find helpful –
- How secure is AS400?
- Why is it a top choice for security, even today?
If you want help to strengthen your IBM iSeries security, here’s what this blog has for you –
- How often should leaders audit and assess their iSeries security?
- When do technology leaders usually audit and update their AS400 iSeries security?
- How can an iSeries AS400 solutions partner help you strengthen your AS400 security?
- What are free AS400 IBM i security reviews? What to expect?
And much more!
Let’s go! Shall we?
How Secure Is AS400? Why It’s a Top Choice for Security, Even Today?
It’s a fact that IBM AS400 systems are widely known as one of the most inherently secure legacy platforms.
The AS400 systems serve a wide range of users and industries. Released in the late 1980s, this platform is flexible and secure enough to meet the security needs of every company, despite the complexity.
But what makes IBM i iSeries security reliable even in 2025? You may ask.
The credit goes to the 3 objectives it serves –
- Confidentiality – Protecting company information from unauthorized access and outsiders
- Integrity – Assuring that your data remains untouched by unauthorized changes
- Availability – Preventing data abuse or loss and ensuring your resources are always accessible
You must have a complete understanding of the iSeries security features and choices for better planning and effective adoption.
Although AS400 systems security is often associated with external threats, many security concerns come from internal team members. However, well-protected IBM security systems protect you against these mistakes too.
But without proper planning, implementing IBM i/AS400 Security measures can become confusing and hard to manage. Instead, develop a clear approach toward IBM i security and communicate it across your organization.
Here are the top questions to consider when planning iSeries security –
- How significant are your AS400 systems and data to your organization?
- What is your current company policy regarding the level of security?
- What is your company’s future vision concerning security?
Despite the robust security measures in place, you may worry about your IBM iSeries security, which could be a nightmare.
Just think about the day when you decided to opt for AS400, and you will realize that your current strategy and operations already have a solid foundation.
So, the good news is – your IBM iSeries applications are traditionally secured, making it an excellent platform for protecting business assets.
It has built-in-security components such as two-factor authentication, identity, and access management making it challenging for hackers to attempt an effortless breach.
This established resilient environment makes it a top choice among IT leaders from banks, hospitals, manufacturing, retailers, and government agencies especially in the 21st century.
So, yes! AS400 iSeries security is a proven winner and allows a purpose-built application secured in standard web, mobile, and desktop methods.
Not to undermine the fact stated above but many AS400 leaders are struggling with iSeries security concerns.
Over 72% of AS400 users have expressed IBM i security as a top concern.
Although it is traditionally secure, it needs additional security measures to protect it from 21st century’s cyber villains. As a result, many business leaders are engaging with professional IBM i/AS400 experts to strengthen the security measures.
Here’s a practical example for better understanding.
For instance,
AS400/iSeries Security needs users to log in to the application in each session. The security measures start at the time of login and authorization so managing user identity and registration is critical.
IBM security focuses on simplicity while providing specific authorization flows for desktop and mobile apps. Moreover, AS400 iSeries service providers offer out-of-the-box support. They help you enable the registration of clients from management support or even optionally open for public client registration.
From a IBM iSeries security standpoint, the advantage is that each request only attracts a small amount of data that the specific microservice needs. So, in the case of any compromise, the petitioner does not get access to the entire system — and gets only the specific data as per the requests.
The record system remains in your IBM i system and becomes the central repository for all your authentication needs. So, the cyber villains would have to cross two levels of authentication.
The proficient AS400 iSeries security service partners offer SSO (Single Sign-On) on the gateway and relay tokens downstream to all other microservices. This is a critical difference from other solutions which allows the authentication to go through clients’ presently used system.
In terms of timing, execution is straightforward, and the service can go out of the box so that you will see minimum downtime to your existing system. In addition to this, there are several benefits that you will see. Such as-
- Easy token management via client application registration
- Safe user validation with integrated identity management
- The ability to allocate access to services
- Simple user interface
We hope that you have got the answer to your question ‘How secure is AS400?’
As we navigate through the need for robust IBM i security in place, the AS 400 platform, when paired with strategic planning and security expertise, stands as a reliable defense against modern-day cyber villains.
As you now have a deeper understanding of the iSeries security standards, the next question arises – “How often should leaders evaluate the security of AS400 systems?” Let’s unravel.
How Often Should Leaders Audit and Assess their iSeries Security?
Before we dive into the details, let’s enlighten you about the benefits of AS400 Security Software assessment:
The benefits include:
- Identifying breaches in real-time and in advance
- Identifying potential vulnerabilities on your IBM i system
- Checking the status of the right controls and remote activity controls
- Identifying and managing the number of high-level access users on your IBM i
- Recommending effective solutions to overcome identified security shortcomings
Ironically, many leaders do not take IBM security seriously until they are affected by a significant security incident, highlighting the critical need for a strong security culture.
AS400 iSeries Security evaluation and improvement is usually a reactive process rather than an active one.
Most IBM i users configured the security of their systems years ago, and now they will change it only if they need a new one or if any security issue arises.
Can you relate?
If yes, it’s recommended to perform IBM security audits at least once or twice a year by a professional iSeries AS400 services provider. You can also get it done on a monthly or quarterly basis. Different AS400 systems need different audit schedules, depending on the nature of the complexity.
For the best answer, it’s ideal to consult a trusted AS400/iSeries Security service partner. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your unique iSeries security needs.
As you are well-versed in the significance of periodic security assessment, we have exclusive insights into when decision-makers, like yourself, typically undertake AS400 Security assessments.
When do Technology Leaders Usually Audit & Update their AS400 iSeries Security?
Here is a rough calendar of the times when business leaders using IBM i are most interested and least interested in auditing and updating their IBM AS400 iSeries security.
Let’s look at when the technology leaders like you, are most interested in IBM iSeries security audits and updates –
The security audits occur in the events of –
- Audit security breaches
- Major Security breaches
- Arrival of customer auditors
- Arrival of regulatory auditors
- Industry safety rules or regulations affecting security
- Incorporate last year’s safety points during this year’s audit
The times when leaders are less interested in IBM i / AS400 Security audits and updates:
- When there is a busy company season
- When there is summer and winter vacation
- When there are no immediate safety requirements
- When there is a Holiday season such as Thanksgiving or the New Year
- When there is a problem in engaging with external iSeries security consultants
In most of these cases, IBM iSeries AS400 security update and evaluation is event-driven rather than proactive.
And these moments create the best opportunities for cyber attackers to exploit vulnerabilities, knowing that iSeries Secuity is not your top priority.
Thus, it’s ideal to bring in an IBM security consultant to monitor 24/7, analyze, and discover the vulnerabilities that your AS400 systems may have.
However, there are a few challenges associated with it –
- This process can be expensive and IT departments may not always have the right budget for it.
- Many security experts hold expertise in Windows server security, network equipment security, and routers. However, very few professionals hold relevant experience in analyzing and updating the intricacies of AS400/iSeries Security.
As a result, it’s relatively easier to find someone to review and evaluate your Windows and network security than to find someone to audit and evaluate your IBM iSeries security.
Now, as you are aware of when IT leaders are keen on auditing AS400 iSeries security & when they aren’t, let’s understand how a tech partner can help enhance the security of AS400.
How an iSeries AS400 Services Partner Helps Strengthen AS400 Security?
A growing number of AS/400 leaders are engaging with IBM i/AS400 experts to improve their AS400 systems’ security stature and better defend against modern-day cyber-attacks.
Do you think of an investment in professional iSeries AS400 services as a cost center?
Realize that your iSeries security is the backbone of your AS400 operations. If that security is compromised, everything goes for a toss.
Unsure, when is the right time to invest in IBM i security and support services?
Here are top scenarios where you won’t regret an investment in AS400 security services.
#Challenge 1 – When You Recently Experienced a Data Breach
If you have recently witnessed a data breach that exposed your sensitive business data to your rivals or cyber thieves, your AS400 security framework may have been the weak link.
Your iSeries security framework failed to prevent the attack, leading to –
- Operational disorders
- Reputational damages
- Financial losses
How Did Professional IBM i/AS400 Experts Help?
This partnership proved to be a game-changing move as the experts –
- Conducted a thorough security audit
- Upgraded the current security infrastructure as per modern standards
- Enforced real-time monitoring to prevent future breaches
- Empowered your team with the knowledge & tools for better security
This ensured a safe AS400 environment, giving you peace of mind and a good night’s sleep.
#Challenge 2 – You’re AS400 Security Infrastructure is Outdated
Are you trying to thrive in 2024 with the security infrastructure of the 1990s? Unfortunately, this has left your AS400 systems vulnerable to cyber villains, or it may already be on their radar.
As a consequence –
- You may not be able to make big leaps forward
- You may miss out on maximizing business data’s potential
- You may face uncertainty hindering your operational efficiency
How Do Professional IBM i/AS400 Experts Help?
iSeries AS400 services by an expert AS400 consultant serves as just the right solution to this challenge.
They help you –
- Perform detailed security assessments
- Upgrade your outdated security framework
- Implement modern-day security solutions
- Provide ongoing support & expert advice whenever required
These steps prepare your system to fight today’s challenges as well as mitigate future concerns.
#Challenge 3 You Need Real-time Threat-detection
If you have a robust iSeries security framework in place but don’t have real-time threat detection, you’re still at risk.
As a consequence,
- The potential threats could go unnoticed
- Your organization may incur huge recovery costs after an attack
- You could lose stakeholder trust due to inefficient security measures
How Do Professional iSeries AS400 Solutions Experts Help?
Qualified AS400 professionals offer effective solutions to resolve the challenge.
They help you –
- Implement real-time monitoring system
- Configure automated responses for prompt threat alert
- Assess the system to improve defenses
- Provide 24×7 support to ensure prompt response
- Continue providing support and expertise to strengthen your defenses
Long story short: IBM i/AS400 experts help you with essential defenses, making your iSeries security capable of battling modern-day security threats.
They help you gain a deeper understanding of the AS400 security system, best practices, and insights in order to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and ensure fewer hiccups, more secure operations, and a stress-free environment.
The best part?
They also offer free IBM iSeries security reviews to spot vulnerabilities and provide tailored security solutions.
Now, the question remains – “Are free AS400 security reviews legitimate?”
Next up – let’s understand what these Free Reviews are and what you can expect out of it.
What are Free AS400 IBM i Security Reviews? What to expect?
To keep up with updates and find out the vulnerabilities in your IBM i system before bad auditors or actors find them, professional iSeries security service providers offer free AS400 iSeries security assessments that technology leaders like you can take advantage of, free of cost.
To help you understand what’s in a free assessment, let’s take a look at the free security assessment program.
The IBM i security consultants take a closer look at your system’s security vulnerabilities, and risks that you may have overlooked or may not be aware of.
They help you produce detailed reports covering potential threats and vulnerabilities in several security areas, including –
- Weak links
- System values
- User permissions
- Password control
- Network access issues
- And other issues
You may start thinking – “Would it be safe to allow access to a third-party IBM security consultant, for a detailed review of your AS400 iSeries security provisions?”
You are thinking just right.
Let’s understand the nitty-gritty of it.
Who Does the AS400 iSeries Security Assessment? Is it safe?
It’s normal to be concerned about granting access to outsiders.
You need not allow an outsider to log in to your IBM i system to evaluate the security of your AS400 iSeries system.
The IBM i/AS400 experts/ service providers have a pre-developed iSeries Security assessment PC software package that you can download, install, and run on your PC, not on your IBM iSeries partitions.
No one from the iSeries security service provider’s team intervenes with your IBM AS400 iSeries operations; instead, the software itself evaluates the security for you.
And since you’re downloading software on a distinct computer instead of your IBM iSeries, you are able to run IBM iSeries security assessment reports on many IBM i systems.
After conducting the assessment, IBM i security experts review the report’s findings for you, to identify security vulnerabilities in your system, and understand how to enhance the security.
You need not go through the results yourself.
You already have experienced professionals working on the AS400 iSeries security framework who enlighten you about potential threats and vulnerabilities in your system and the best ways to overcome them.
With the innate intricacies, iSeries security invites a bunch of queries and riddles that technology leaders like you are seeking answers to.
As an IBM security consulting partner, we have figured out a few pointed questions that might help you.
Let’s look at some frequently triggered questions around AS400 security.
Frequently Asked Questions about AS400 iSeries Security
1. What Are the Different Levels of AS400 iSeries Security?
Ans- The AS/400 represents a system value – QSECURITY that decides the level of security the system will execute. From no security to improved security, there are multiple security levels.
2. Why Is AS400 Secure?
Ans- The AS/400 is known for its reliable security features. The server has integrated security traits offering ample protection against disapproved access to data.
However, it is not enough in the age of growing cyber threats. You must implement advanced security features to offer robust protection to your system.
3. What Is the Use of IBM Security?
Ans- Robust IBM security measures protect your AS400 systems, sensitive data, and other assets from cyber villains as well as internal accidents. It protects the IBM iSeries from –
- Data destruction
- Data manipulation
- Accidental changes
- Unauthorized access
- System resources destruction
- Unauthorized changes to data, etc.
iSeries security ensures that your data remains secure and reliable.
4. What Is IBM i Security?
Ans- IBM i Security is a set of solutions and protocols designed to protect your iSeries security from sophisticated threats like ransomware, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, hacking, etc.
It offers various features like – end-to-end encryption, threat detection, proactive monitoring, regular updates, and more.
5. Has AS400 Ever Been Hacked?
Ans- AS400 iSeries is an old system, and it has been hacked before. Yet in the span of 3 decades, IBM i has proven itself as one of the most secure and reliable systems in the business world. Its robust security has led banks, financial institutions, and government agencies to continue relying on it for their critical operations.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this guide, we are confident that you have gained essential insights into the importance of the overall AS400 iSeries security.
We believe that you are seeking an AS400 security software consultant who eases your security burden, protects your AS 400 system with suitable standards, and instills a sense of confidence and peace of mind in you and your team.
We will be delighted to be an iSeries AS400 services provider of your choice.
We, at Integrative Systems, are expert AS400 security professionals with 25+ years of industry experience, committed to helping you succeed first. We’re known for our long-standing expertise in the AS400 IBM i space, IBM Silver Business Partnership, and for building highly secure AS400 Security Software environments that remain resilient against sophisticated cyber threats.
Based out of Chicago, Illinois, USA, we hold expertise in fixing severe iSeries security challenges and IBM i development initiatives as our experts and experienced professionals are available 24*7 for your help.
Our range of iSeries AS400 services include –
- AS400 support services
- AS400 migration services
- AS400 integration services
- AS400 automation services
- AS400 modernization services
- Hire AS400/RPG developers on-demand
If you are looking for a AS400 iSeries security assessment or an expert security problem-solver for your IBM AS-400 system or facing any other security issue, feel free to connect with us at [email protected] and our experts will reach out to you within the next 2 business days.
