As more data is generated and collected in today’s world, businesses face a lot of pressure to derive maximum value from all the data they are accumulating. This has led to an increase in the adoption of big data analytics solutions, which in many larger organizations, takes advantage of the power and reliability of mainframes. However, with the increase in the awareness of data security, it becomes important to ensure that your mainframe environment is protected from any security threats.
In this article, we will focus on understanding major approaches and recommendations concerning the secure mainframe environment for your big data analytics. By the end of this book, you will be in a position to understand how to build an impregnable wall around your important data and your strategic business processes.
Access Controls And User Authentication
This tutorial discusses various access control and user authentication methods that form the basis of a secure mainframe environment. These measures help to limit the interaction with mainframes to only those people who have permission, thus minimizing the exposure to those who could harm the system.
Implement Stringent User Authentication
Introduce a new multi-factor authentication (MFA) system that applies to all mainframe users. This approach involves the user being asked to enter another form of identification, which may be in the form of one-use code or biometric details in addition to the user’s normal login details. This makes it immensely more challenging for the intruders to infiltrate your mainframe environment and increase its security tenfold.
Establish Role-Based Access Controls
Extend an effective RBAC system that should enable the administration of user privileges and authorization at the most detailed level. Be specific about the users and their privileges; this way, you limit the access rights of every user to the tasks they need to accomplish at their workplace. Ensure that you periodically go through these controls and modify them to enhance the protection and performance of the mainframe.
The final contingency practice is the implementation of robust logging and auditing of the program’s activities and decisions.
Implement a comprehensive logging and auditing mechanism to track all user operations, system updates, and security incidents on your primary mainframe. This will allow you to detect and analyze any unauthorized act or any other activity that violates security standards as well as guarantee compliance with the security measures and policies of the company and industry.
Big Data Security: Network Architecture
Security is a critical factor within your mainframe environment, and the network architecture that you put in place is instrumental in the achievement of this goal. It is advised to use a layer model of defense where the mainframe is protected both from outside and inside threats.
Implement Secure Network Segmentation
Subdivide your mainframe network into logical segments or areas where each segment has its own set of security measures and access permissions. This is known as network segmentation, and it allows the scope of possible threats to be minimized and the impact of the threat that has penetrated the network to be minimized.
To achieve this, one should always ensure that the communication protocols used are secure and encrypted.
The first is to make sure that all the communications that occur in the network, either to or from the mainframe, are secured using standard methods like TLS/SSL or IPsec. This will help to protect data that is to be transferred between these two points from interception or man-in-the-middle attacks.
Ensure that the firewall and IPS/IDS are strong and effective.
Implement multilevel firewalls that combine traditional network firewalls with firewalls resident in the mainframe host. Add IDS and IPS to provide real-time security and monitor the network for any security breaches that may occur.
Take the time to review and update the security measures for the computer network.
It is recommended that your organization conducts a continuous assessment of the security state of the network and reviews security measures, settings, and guidelines. Ensure there is adequate awareness of emergent security threats and risks, and apply relevant security fixes and upgrades to enhance the security posture of the mainframe network.
Security Practices For Mainframe Platforms
Besides the above-stated strategies, there are several other measures that you can take to enhance the security posture of your mainframe environment as follows:
Mainframe systems should have a sound backup and disaster recovery plan in place to avoid any major issues. This includes frequently creating backup copies of important data and system settings and also applying a reliable DR plan to keep the business going in the event of a security breach or any other calamity.
This entails conducting frequent security assessments and audits to determine the current security status and make necessary adjustments.
This means that you need to conduct a security audit and vulnerability assessment of your mainframe security regularly to ensure you do not have any gaps in your security. Consult with security professionals or security auditors to get an independent and holistic view of your security status and the potential risks.
Provide Comprehensive Security Training
Here are some security recommendations: You should ensure your IT staff and mainframe users receive regular training on security measures, password policies, how to report suspicious activities and other security measures. This will go a long way in ensuring that your organization embraces a security-minded culture and thus minimizes security mishaps caused by people.
Make Sure And Be Ready For New Challenges
It is also important to periodically check for new threats, weaknesses, and the latest standards within the field. Stay agile in your security posture by efficiently responding to threats by installing patches, updates, and security controls to safeguard your mainframe ecosystem.
Conclusion
Establishing a secure mainframe for the management of big data for business intelligence is a crucial endeavor in the contemporary business world. Thus, by introducing strict access controls, proper network topology design, and mainframe security guidelines, you can build a strong protection that will envelop your critical information and guarantee the efficiency of your big data analysis.
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