29
Fri, Nov
0 New Articles

Security Patrol: Security Questions & Answers

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

Q: The operators claim that they need *SPLCTL special authority to start print writers and answer the printer messages. Is *SPLCTL special authority required for operators to perform printer management tasks?

A: The special authority *SPLCTL is not required for operators to manage print writers. When you give a user *SPLCTL special authority, that user can access any spooled file on the system. You cannot prevent that user from viewing sensitive output, such as payroll data. Therefore, only security officers should have *SPLCTL special authority.

AS/400 security does not protect individual spooled files. However, you can control access to confidential output by the security and attributes of the output queue used to store the spool files.

When you create a special output queue, you can specify several security parameters.

o The DSPDTA parameter determines whether a user can view, send, or copy a spooled file owned by another user.

o The AUTCHK parameter determines whether a user can change or delete a spooled file owned by another user.

o The OPRCTL parameter determines whether users with *JOBCTL special authority are allowed to control the output queue.

The output queue parameters, the user's authority to the output queue, and the user's special authority work together to determine the functions the user is allowed to perform on spooled files in an output queue. 1 illustrates the authority needed to perform print-related operations and shows the combination of output queue parameters and authority to the output queue required to perform print management functions on the system.

The output queue parameters, the user's authority to the output queue, and the user's special authority work together to determine the functions the user is allowed to perform on spooled files in an output queue. Figure 1 illustrates the authority needed to perform print-related operations and shows the combination of output queue parameters and authority to the output queue required to perform print management functions on the system.

For some functions, more than one combination is listed. The owner of a spooled file can always perform all functions on that file. (*SPLCTL special authority allows the user to perform all operations on all output queues, so be careful whom you give *SPLCTL special authority to.)

Following are several examples of ways to set security parameters for output queues to meet different requirements. The first example is for a general- purpose output queue that allows users to display all spooled files. The system operators can manage the queue and change spooled files.

 CRTOUTQ OUTQ(QGPL/PRINTOUT) + DSPDTA(*YES) + OPRCTL(*YES) + AUTCHK(*OWNER) + AUT(*USE) 

The next example shows an output queue for a SALES application in which only the members of the group profile GRPSALES are allowed to use the output queue. All authorized users of the output queue are allowed to display all spooled files. System operators are not allowed to work with the output queue.

 CRTOUTQ OUTQ(LIBSALES/SALESOUT) + DSPDTA(*YES) + OPRCTL(*NO) + AUTCHK(*OWNER) + AUT(*EXCLUDE) GRTOBJAUT OBJ(LIBSALES/SALESOUT) + OBJTYPE(*OUTQ) + USER(GRPSALES) + AUT(*CHANGE) 

This last example shows a confidential output queue that is shared by users printing confidential files and documents. Users can work with only their own spooled files. System operators can work with the spooled files, but they cannot display the contents of the files.

 CRTOUTQ OUTQ(QGPL/SECURE) + DSPDTA(*OWNER) + AUTCHK(*OWNER) + OPRCTL(*YES) + AUT(*USE) 

The SECURE output queue in the previous example does not prevent access to spooled files for users who have*SPLCTL and *ALLOBJ special authority. System users with *SPLCTL special authority are able to access spooled files. System users with *ALLOBJ special authority are not able to access spooled files owned by others because of the DSPDTA(*OWNER) specification. (However, users with *ALLOBJ special authority can change the attributes of the output queue and then view the data.)

Q:I have specified Limit Capabilities LMTCPB(*YES) for all of the application users so they do not have command line access. The application restricts what users can access and prevents them from deleting files. Since I have that level of security, can I specify *PUBLIC authority of *ALL for the production files on my AS/400?

A: Do not assume that LMTCPB(*YES) is all of the security that you need to protect the data on your AS/400. Security was much simpler and LMTCPB(*YES) was sufficient in the "good old days" when every system was a stand-alone system. Today, AS/400s are usually connected to other systems-PCs, AS/400s, or other platforms. LMTCPB(*YES) is not sufficient to protect your confidential files. You must use resource security to limit access to confidential data. A user from a PC or another system can submit AS/400 commands or use file transfer to copy and modify production files.

Client Access (PC Support) and Distributed Data Management (DDM) support exit programs that can be used to restrict the use of certain functions. An increasing number of AS/400s are using TCP/IP, which supports file transfer and is not controlled by an exit program. To protect the data on your AS/400 you must limit access to the library or to the individual data files.


Security Patrol: Security Questions & Answers

Figure 1 Authority Required to Perform Printing Functions

 Printing Output Queue Parameter Output Special Function Queue Authority Objective DSPDTA AUTCHK OPRCTL Authority (1) Add spooled files to Any Any Any *READ None queue Any Any *YES Any *JOBCTL View list of Any Any Any *READ None spooled files (WRKOUTQ Any Any *YES Any *JOBCTL command (2)) Display copy or *YES Any Any *READ None send spooled files *NO *DTAAUT Any *CHANGE None (DSPSPLF *NO *OWNER Any Owner (3) None CPYSPLF *YES Any *YES Any *JOBCTL SNDNETSPLF *NO Any *YES Any *JOBCTL SNDTCPSPLF (2)) *OWNER (5) Any Any Any Any Change, delete, hold, Any *DTAAUT Any *CHANGE None and release spooled file Any *OWNER Any Owner (3) None (HLDSPLF RLSSPLF (2)) Any Any *YES Any *JOBCTL Change, clear, hold, Any *DTAAUT Any *CHANGE None and release output queue (CHGOUTQ Any *OWNER Any Owner (3) None CLROUTQ HLDOUTQ Any Any *YES Any *JOBCTL RLSOUTQ (2)) Start a writer for Any *DTAAUT Any *CHANGE None the queue (4) (STRPRTWTR Any Any *YES Any *JOBCTL STRRMTWTR (2)) (1) A user with *SPLCTL special authority can perform the operation for any spool queue. A user with *ALLOBJ special authority can change the output queue attributes and then access the spool files on the output queue. (2) You must use these commands or equivalent options from a display. (3) You must be the owner of the output queue. (4) You must have *USE authority to the printer device description. (5) You must be the owner of the spooled file or have *SPLCTL special authority. 
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: