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Beyond the Audit: Strategic IBM i Security and Risk Mitigation

It's time to move beyond reactive patching and establish a proactive plan to stay one step ahead of the storm. Information security management starts with the user and is central to IBM i continuity. By identifying and correcting vulnerabilities, you can drastically decrease your IT security risks and boost your threat remediation abilities. Our team of security consultants, including a certified CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), helps you implement and follow all IBM i security best practices to protect your mission-critical data.

A Methodology for Security: Implementing Sustainable IT Governance

Are you following IBM i / AS400 security best practices?

You know you should be doing more for your AS/400 security, but where do you start? Whether you're addressing internal needs or meeting minimum compliance requirements, every small step counts. Start by asking yourself the questions below:

Policies and Practices 

Plans and Procedures 

  • Are response and recovery plans in place and managed?
  • Are your cyber supply chain risk management processes identified?
  • Is a vulnerability management plan developed and implemented?

Individual Profiles 

  • Do all employees use a unique user profile?
  • Do employees change passwords at least twice a year?
  • Do you have a minimum password complexity policy?

Authorities and Roles

  • Have user roles been defined via groups or authorization lists?
  • Who can create, maintain, and delete user profiles?
  • How and where is adopted authority used?

 

IBM i Server 

  • Is the IBM i running at a security level of 40 or above?
  • Is the System i running an OS that is supported for at least the next two years?
  • Are older versions of Java, WebSphere, or PHP running on the server?

System and Data 

  • Do you have a formal offsite data backup rotation?
  • Do you test backup media regularly?
  • Have you implemented encryption and key storage?
  • Is your IBM i included in your SIEM application?

Gaining Control: Conduct a Proactive Information Security Assessment

Undergoing a proactive Information Security Assessment provides a clear understanding of your current security posture, allowing you to identify potential vulnerabilities and compliance gaps before they can be exploited. This critical process not only aids in immediate risk mitigation but also provides essential insights for developing robust Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP) and effective Security Remediation strategies.

The assessment serves as a vital tool for quickly identifying compromised areas, implementing necessary fixes, and strengthening your overall framework to prevent future incidents.

  • Gain an understanding of your current security standing
  • Identify risks and compliance issues
  • Attain foundational information for creating Disaster Recovery Plans
  • Assist with Security Remediation after a cyberattack

Compliance vs. Strategy: Don't Mistake Adherence for True IBM i Security

A compliance plan alone is not enough to safeguard your IBM i system. While maintaining adherence to mandates like SOX, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI is of utmost importance, these standards typically only set minimum requirements. Don't fall victim to believing that compliance equals full coverage. You need a comprehensive security strategy that extends beyond basic mandates, actively protecting your data, mitigating all known risks, and ensuring the long-term resilience of your core system.

Best Practices: Your Starting Point for IBM i Security and Compliance

Whether you're addressing internal risks or meeting minimum compliance requirements, taking the right first step is essential. We help you start with a comprehensive review that forms the foundation of your long-term security plan. This assessment covers Security Policies and Practices, thoroughly examining Authorities and Roles, reviewing Plans and Procedures, evaluating the IBM i Server configuration, and analyzing System and Data access controls. This comprehensive approach provides the necessary starting point for building your enduring security posture.

STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE

Incident Response: Structured Recovery and Threat Remediation

Rebuilding after a security breach doesn't have to be painful. Information Security is a constant, ongoing process. Whether your system has just been compromised or you're proactively looking to significantly improve your current threat remediation abilities, Briteskies is here to help. We provide the structured incident management and expert remediation services necessary to contain the damage, restore system stability, and reinforce your security posture to prevent future attacks.

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Take Advantage of a Security Assessment: Is Your System at Risk?

Take our security assessment and see where your vulnerabilities lay and what steps you can take to increase your information security management system policy.

Modernizing Defense: Securing an Outdated IBM i System on a Strict Budget

Challenge: The client operated an older AS/400 system with nonexistent or dangerously outdated security. They needed to implement modern security controls (like 2FA) and address fundamental vulnerabilities, but were highly focused on keeping costs low and utilizing existing hardware where possible.

Solution: We worked with the client to create a practical, budget-conscious security plan that prioritized their most pressing security needs. Our approach focused on maximizing the value of current assets and implementing high-impact, low-cost solutions.

IBM i Security

Why Trust Briteskies with your IBM i Security 

CISSP Leadership

Our security practice is led by Rob Nettgen, a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) and a highly respected IBM i Administrator with over 30 years of direct system experience. This blend of deep administrative knowledge and high-level security certification is rare. Rob's value goes beyond simple compliance; he brings the practical, real-world insight needed to translate complex security mandates into actionable strategies that preserve the integrity and performance of your core business system. We don't just check boxes; we ensure your security decisions are technically sound and strategically aligned with your long-term goals.

Security Experience

While the IBM i is renowned for its reliability, features essential for modernization, like QSHELL, the Integrated File System (IFS), and web services, share platform applications with common Linux and Windows environments. As demonstrated by global attacks like WannaCry, these connections can expose your core system to modern external risks. With 20+ years of experience and both security and IBM i certifications, Briteskies is uniquely positioned to identify these hidden vectors. We start with an expert security review led by our IBM i-savvy CISSP to proactively safeguard your system against future zero-day exploits.

Security Approach

We recognize that information security management starts with the user, making it the most common point of failure. Our comprehensive approach goes beyond technical scans to focus on identifying and correcting procedural vulnerabilities—from user authorities and roles to operational policies. By strategically addressing the people and processes layer, we help your organization significantly decrease overall IT security risks and dramatically increase your threat remediation abilities. Our focus is to build a resilient security framework that minimizes human error and gives you confidence in your system's stability.

Industry Focus: IBM i Stability and Sector Expertise

Businesses relying on IBM i (AS/400) operate in sectors—such as manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and specialized finance—where security and uptime are non-negotiable. Our team leverages decades of experience in these high-compliance industries to provide specialized application support and modernization strategies.

We ensure your mission-critical IBM i environment, including complex custom applications and EDI workflows, remains stable, secure, and fully optimized to meet your unique sector requirements.

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Distribution

Achieve immediate and long-term results by increasing turns, reducing carrying costs, and optimizing operational processes for distribution clients.

manufacturing

Manufacturing

Streamline processes to boost throughput, minimize waste, and maximize labor productivity for greater efficiency and profitability in manufacturing.

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Trucking and Transportation

Optimize fleet, routes, and inventory with tailored ERP solutions that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance real-time logistics visibility for trucking and transportation companies.

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B2B

Extend your revenue capabilities by expanding into the digital market. Learn how to improve customer experience, provide online sales opportunities, and enhance back-office processes through an eCommerce integration project.

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Government/Education

Simplify complex administrative processes, enhance data management, and improve operational efficiency with specialized ERP solutions tailored for government and higher education.

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Food/Beverages

Improve operations, strengthen compliance, and elevate supply chains to help your business thrive in a competitive market. Tailored solutions enable efficiency and growth while tackling industry-specific challenges.

Ready to invest in your IBM i / AS400 System?