IBM unveiled a new mainframe, bringing the security of data encryption without slowing down system performance to mid-sized organizations. The new system, the IBM z13s, is enabled and optimized for hybrid cloud environments.
The new z13s has advanced cryptography features built into the hardware that enable it to encrypt and decrypt data twice as fast as previous generations, the vendor said. In addition, IBM is integrating mainframe technology with IBM Security software solutions to create a more secure foundation for a hybrid cloud infrastructure. IBM also is offering a new Cyber Security Analytics service to z Systems customers that can help identify malicious activity by learning user behavior over time.
IBM also said it is working with leaders in the cyber security industry through the “Ready for IBM Security Intelligence” partner program to help deliver enterprise-wide solutions and offerings tailored to specific client needs. The new partners for z Systems are BlackRidge Technology, Forcepoint (a joint venture of Raytheon and Vista Equity Partners) and RSM Partners.
“Fast and secure transaction processing is core to the IBM mainframe, helping clients grow their digital business in a hybrid cloud environment,” said Tom Rosamilia, senior vice president of IBM Systems. “With the new IBM z13s, clients no longer have to choose between security and performance. This speed of secure transactions, coupled with new analytics technology helping to detect malicious activity and integrated IBM Security offerings, will help mid-sized clients grow their organization with peace of mind.”
IBM’s z13s, the new entry point to the z Systems portfolio for enterprises of all sizes, includes a number of security innovations, IBM said. z Systems can encrypt sensitive data without compromising transactional throughput and response time, eliminating what has traditionally been a barrier for IT departments in implementing encryption. The z13s includes an updated cryptographic and tamper-resistant hardware-accelerated cryptographic coprocessor cards with faster processors and more memory, providing encryption at twice the speed as previous mid-range systems. This means clients can process twice as many high-volume, cryptographically-protected transactions as before without compromising performance. This equates to processing twice as many online or mobile device purchases in the same time helping to lower the cost per transaction.
z Systems clients can take advantage of the z Systems Cyber Security Analytics offering, which delivers an advanced level of threat monitoring based on behavior analytics. The solution, being developed by IBM Research, learns user behaviors and is then able to detect anomalous patterns on the platform, alerting administrators to potential malicious activity. Along with IBM Security QRadar security software, which can correlate data from more than 500 sources to help organizations determine if security-related events are simply anomalies or potential threats, z Systems now deliver intelligent security solutions that offer end-to-end protection based on advanced analytics. z Systems Cyber Security Analytics service will be available as a no-charge, beta offering for z13 and z13s customers.
IBM Multi-factor Authentication for z/OS (MFA) is now available on z/OS. The solution adds another layer of security by requiring privileged users to enter a second form of identification, such as a PIN or randomly generated token, to gain access to the system. This is the first time MFA has been tightly integrated in the operating system, rather than through an add-on software solution, IBM said.
IBM also said it is integrating the mainframe with IBM Security solutions that address privileged identity management, sensitive data protection and integrated security intelligence. When paired with z Systems, these solutions can allow clients to establish end-to-end security in their hybrid cloud environment.
IBM Security Identity Governance and Intelligence can help prevent inadvertent or malicious internal data loss by governing and auditing access based on known policies while granting access to those who have been cleared as need-to-know users. IBM Security Guardium uses analytics to help ensure data integrity by providing intelligent data monitoring, which tracks which users are accessing what specific data, helping quickly identify threat sources in the event of a breach. IBM Security zSecure and QRadar use real-time alerts to focus on the identified critical security threats that matter the most to the business.
To learn more about the IBM z Systems portfolio, visit www.ibm.com/systems/z.