CIO's consider a main frame computer the safest place to store their corporation's most important data, but despite this level of trust more than three-quarters believe say there are still weaknesses that can be exploited.
The survey of 400 CIOs from the U.S., UK, Germany, Italy and Spain commissioned by Compuware Corp. found that 64 percent of organizations use their mainframe as the repository for their most sensitive data with 78 percent believing the mainframe is more secure than any other system on their network. However, despite a vast majority thinking the data is safe an even greater number, 84 percent, have what they call a “blind spot” concerning how the data is being accessed and used.
In addition, 84 percent found it hard to track which employees have accessed data on the mainframe which makes the company vulnerable to insider threats.
“The mainframe has always been the most securable platform in the enterprise; which is why organizations continue to entrust their most sensitive data to it,” said John Crossno, product manager, Compuware. “However, businesses still face the risk that privileged employees, or those who have acquired access illegally, will misuse mainframe data. Organizations must take steps to gain more visibility over who is accessing data and how they are using it.”
