The Mainframe is Not Secure

Oct 1, 2024

Penney Berryman, MPH (she/her), is the Content Editor for Planet Mainframe. She also writes health technology and online education marketing materials. Penney is based in Austin, Texas. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

October is cybersecurity awareness month, and Planet Mainframe is kicking it off with interview insights from Mark Wilson, Technical Director at mainframe services company Vertali and Conference Manager for GSE UK

“Is the mainframe secure? No. But it is securable.”
Mark Wilson, Technical Director, Vertali

With 44 years of experience on the mainframe and a specialty in security, Wilson debunks the myth of an impenetrable server: “Is the mainframe secure? No. But it is securable. With the right people and tools, it can be the most secure server on the planet.” 

While we often think of security as protection from external bad actors, Wilson shares two stories of unintended, internal failures requiring more…creative fixes. (Skip to 9:15 in the video). 

What’s next? GSE UK

Mark’s top three reasons to attend GSE UK Conference:
1. It’s fun! Pub trivia is on the agenda, after all.

Db2 Workload Performance on Fire

2. Technical content is offered for every level of mainframer, from 101 and 102 to specialty. There are actually 18 tracks over four days.

3. Meet and mingle with the mainframe community, a uniquely supportive group that enjoys a good curry after work. 

Watch the full video for more fodder on AI and ML in mainframe security.

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