02
Sat, Nov
2 New Articles

Can Security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mix?

IBM i (OS/400, i5/OS)
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Carol investigates the use of AI and its implications on IBM i Security

You can’t read or listen to any business, technical, or security-related news without hearing the term “AI” (Artificial Intelligence). With Microsoft’s investment in ChatGPT causing interest to explode, warnings are in almost every security-related newsletter I subscribe to. Examples include research showing how AI is being used by non-programmers to write malware, news articles regarding concerns that students will simply use ChatGPT to write their term papers, and an IBM i user group presentation showing how you can use ChatGPT to write RPG code. I decided it was time I check it out for myself. Not being familiar with how to use ChatGPT, I watched a YouTube video to get started. Then I had to decide how to put ChatGPT to the test.

My Approach

I decided I would write a paragraph on the benefits of using authorization lists on IBM i and then see how ChatGPT would write about the same topic. I asked my most excellent editor, Victoria Mack, to do no edits on my paragraph so it could be a pure comparison between my work and the output from ChatGPT. Here’s the question I asked, my answer, and the answer from ChatGPT:

Question: What are the benefits of using an authorization list to secure objects on IBM i?

My answer:

Using authorization lists allows you to manage objects’ authorities more easily when a set of user profiles need the same authorities to those objects. Rather than grant authorities to each object, you grant the authorities to the authorization list and then attach the authorization list to each object. If another profile needs access, you simply grant the required authority to the authorization list and they automatically have the authority they need to all objects associated with the list. Another benefit is the fact that you can manage authority to the list even when the objects attached are in use. This is especially beneficial when the object is a database file and the file is open. The system does not allow you to grant, remove or modify authority to a file that’s in use. However, if the file is secured by an authorization list, you can simply modify the authorities via the authorization list. Finally, using an authorization list to secure IBM i objects reduces the number of private authorities on the system. If you secure 10,000 objects with an authorization list, each user authorized to the list has only one private authority entry in their user profile – the one for the authorization list – rather than at least 10,000 - one (or more) for each object. Reducing the number of private authorities has the benefit of reducing the time it takes to perform Save Security Data (SAVSECDTA) and a subsequent Restore Authority (RSTAUT) in the event you have must restore your system.

You can see ChatGPT’s response in Figure 1.

Can Security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mix? - Figure 1

Figure 1: ChatGPT’s benefits of using an authorization list (click on the images for pop-outs)

The response isn’t wrong, but it’s not the detailed answer that I would have hoped for.

Next, I wanted to see how detailed ChatGPT could get regarding managing authorization lists, so I asked what commands I should use to attach a list to a database file. See Figure 2 for its response.

Can Security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mix? - Figure 2

Figure 2: ChatGPT’s response to the question about what commands to use to attach an authorization list to a database file

The answer is kind of close to being accurate. Obviously, the command string using Change Authority (CHGAUT) isn’t correct. While you can attach an authorization list using CHGAUT, the syntax you need to use to specify a database file is OBJ(‘/qsys.lib/mylib.lib/myfile.file’). Also, the parameter to name the authorization list is AUTL, not ALIST. And it seems to be confusing the parameters of Change Object Authority (CHGOBJAUT) and CHGAUT. Finally, where it’s getting the idea that you need *SECADM special authority to run CHGAUT is a bit of a mystery, and even *ALLOBJ is overkill if you own the object or have *OBJMGT.

I wanted to explore how well it could learn, so I challenged it, as shown in Figure 3.

 

Can Security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mix? - Figure 3 

Figure 3: ChatGPT’s response to being challenged on the CHGAUT command

This response gave me more hope as it was the closest to being accurate that I had seen so far. But I wanted to press the issue one more time, and, again, see if it could learn. So I told it that the CHGAUT command could be used to attach an authorization list to a database file. See Figure 4 for how it replied.

Can Security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mix? - Figure 4 

Figure 4: ChatGPT’s response to my correction and instruction

This response seemed to take several steps backward in accuracy. Several iterations of corrections and responses ensued. Its answers were never 100% correct, but it got closer with each response.

The next request I made was to write a CL program to create an authorization list and attach it to a database file. The program that was generated is in Figure 5.

Can Security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mix? - Figure 5 

Figure 5: ChatGPT’s attempt at writing a CL program

Clearly, this is not a CL program that would run, much less compile, given the fact that CRTALST isn’t even a command. But it does provide the basic structure of a program (declaring variable, etc.), which for some people is exactly what they need. For example, I much prefer to edit than create something from nothing. While I probably won’t use it to write a CL program, the next time I need to write some SQL and don’t know the syntax, I may give ChatGPT a try.

Why Am I Sharing This With You?

I’m sharing this with you because AI and its use is here now and here to stay. Some very cool uses exist today: applications that screen out all traces of information on resumes and job applications that could cause racial and/or gender discrimination, an application that allows providers to input patients’ information and receive a recommendation for the appropriate medicine to treat the individual’s depression rather than starting with the most popular medicine at the time, as well as simple appslike chat bots to answer basic questions when people visit an organization’s website. But it’s also being used nefariously. If you don’t subscribe to any security-related newsletters, check out Dark Reading’s article on how AI opens up opportunities for criminals or SecurityWeek’s article on prompt engineering. A new article appears almost every week describing how AI can be used for either good or bad. Whether or not AI affects your job today, it most assuredly will in the future, so we need to be aware of this technology!

Summary

Is ChatGPT going to be used to write malware for IBM i? Today, given what I’ve experienced, I believe the answer is no. But as more of us use it and correct it and it learns from us, I believe the answer will be yes; it could be used to write malware for IBM i. We need to be prepared for that day. How? By implementing good security practices today, staying current with our technology, and being aware of current threats.

Carol Woodbury

 

Carol Woodbury is IBM i Security SME and Senior Advisor to Kisco Systems, a firm focused on providing IBM i security solutions. Carol has over 30 years’ experience with IBM i security, starting her career as Security Team Leader and Chief Engineering Manager for iSeries Security at IBM in Rochester, MN. Since leaving IBM, she has co-founded two companies: SkyView Partners and DXR Security. Her practical experience and her intimate knowledge of the system combine for a unique viewpoint and experience level that cannot be matched.

Carol is known worldwide as an author and award-winning speaker on security technology, specializing in IBM i security topics. She has written seven books on IBM i security, including her two current books, IBM i Security Administration and Compliance, 3rd Edition and Mastering IBM i Security, A Modern, Step-by-Step Approach. Carol has been named an IBM Champion since 2018 and holds her CISSP and CRISC security certifications.


MC Press books written by Carol Woodbury available now on the MC Press Bookstore.

IBM i Security Administration and Compliance: Third Edition
Don't miss the newest edition by the industry’s #1 IBM i security expert.
List Price $71.95

Now On Sale

Mastering IBM i Security Mastering IBM i Security
Get the must-have guide by the industry’s #1 security authority.
List Price $49.95

Now On Sale

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS

LATEST COMMENTS

Support MC Press Online

$

Book Reviews

Resource Center

  • SB Profound WC 5536 Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application. You can find Part 1 here. In Part 2 of our free Node.js Webinar Series, Brian May teaches you the different tooling options available for writing code, debugging, and using Git for version control. Brian will briefly discuss the different tools available, and demonstrate his preferred setup for Node development on IBM i or any platform. Attend this webinar to learn:

  • SB Profound WP 5539More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation. Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects. The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the company are not aligned with the current IT environment.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT Generic IBM announced the E1080 servers using the latest Power10 processor in September 2021. The most powerful processor from IBM to date, Power10 is designed to handle the demands of doing business in today’s high-tech atmosphere, including running cloud applications, supporting big data, and managing AI workloads. But what does Power10 mean for your data center? In this recorded webinar, IBMers Dan Sundt and Dylan Boday join IBM Power Champion Tom Huntington for a discussion on why Power10 technology is the right strategic investment if you run IBM i, AIX, or Linux. In this action-packed hour, Tom will share trends from the IBM i and AIX user communities while Dan and Dylan dive into the tech specs for key hardware, including:

  • Magic MarkTRY the one package that solves all your document design and printing challenges on all your platforms. Produce bar code labels, electronic forms, ad hoc reports, and RFID tags – without programming! MarkMagic is the only document design and print solution that combines report writing, WYSIWYG label and forms design, and conditional printing in one integrated product. Make sure your data survives when catastrophe hits. Request your trial now!  Request Now.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericForms of ransomware has been around for over 30 years, and with more and more organizations suffering attacks each year, it continues to endure. What has made ransomware such a durable threat and what is the best way to combat it? In order to prevent ransomware, organizations must first understand how it works.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericIT security is a top priority for businesses around the world, but most IBM i pros don’t know where to begin—and most cybersecurity experts don’t know IBM i. In this session, Robin Tatam explores the business impact of lax IBM i security, the top vulnerabilities putting IBM i at risk, and the steps you can take to protect your organization. If you’re looking to avoid unexpected downtime or corrupted data, you don’t want to miss this session.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericCan you trust all of your users all of the time? A typical end user receives 16 malicious emails each month, but only 17 percent of these phishing campaigns are reported to IT. Once an attack is underway, most organizations won’t discover the breach until six months later. A staggering amount of damage can occur in that time. Despite these risks, 93 percent of organizations are leaving their IBM i systems vulnerable to cybercrime. In this on-demand webinar, IBM i security experts Robin Tatam and Sandi Moore will reveal:

  • FORTRA Disaster protection is vital to every business. Yet, it often consists of patched together procedures that are prone to error. From automatic backups to data encryption to media management, Robot automates the routine (yet often complex) tasks of iSeries backup and recovery, saving you time and money and making the process safer and more reliable. Automate your backups with the Robot Backup and Recovery Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAManaging messages on your IBM i can be more than a full-time job if you have to do it manually. Messages need a response and resources must be monitored—often over multiple systems and across platforms. How can you be sure you won’t miss important system events? Automate your message center with the Robot Message Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAThe thought of printing, distributing, and storing iSeries reports manually may reduce you to tears. Paper and labor costs associated with report generation can spiral out of control. Mountains of paper threaten to swamp your files. Robot automates report bursting, distribution, bundling, and archiving, and offers secure, selective online report viewing. Manage your reports with the Robot Report Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAFor over 30 years, Robot has been a leader in systems management for IBM i. With batch job creation and scheduling at its core, the Robot Job Scheduling Solution reduces the opportunity for human error and helps you maintain service levels, automating even the biggest, most complex runbooks. Manage your job schedule with the Robot Job Scheduling Solution. Key features include:

  • LANSA Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.

  • LANSAWhen it comes to creating your business applications, there are hundreds of coding platforms and programming languages to choose from. These options range from very complex traditional programming languages to Low-Code platforms where sometimes no traditional coding experience is needed. Download our whitepaper, The Power of Writing Code in a Low-Code Solution, and:

  • LANSASupply Chain is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. From raw materials for manufacturing to food supply chains, the journey from source to production to delivery to consumers is marred with inefficiencies, manual processes, shortages, recalls, counterfeits, and scandals. In this webinar, we discuss how:

  • The MC Resource Centers bring you the widest selection of white papers, trial software, and on-demand webcasts for you to choose from. >> Review the list of White Papers, Trial Software or On-Demand Webcast at the MC Press Resource Center. >> Add the items to yru Cart and complet he checkout process and submit

  • Profound Logic Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.

  • SB Profound WC 5536Join us for this hour-long webcast that will explore:

  • Fortra IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn: