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IBM zSecure Exploitation Workshop

Master IBM zSecure tools in a 5-day hands-on workshop with Gentex Training Center to enhance RACF security, audit, and automation skills.

Date & Location

Introduction

IBM zSecure is a powerful suite of security tools designed to strengthen mainframe security, streamline compliance, and simplify RACF administration and auditing. The IBM zSecure Exploitation Workshop is a hands-on, immersive training designed to help security professionals maximize the full capabilities of the zSecure suite. This 5-day workshop is intended to provide in-depth practical experience in configuring, integrating, and optimizing zSecure Admin, Audit, and Command Verifier in real-world scenarios.

Offered by Gentex Training Center, this workshop will guide participants through simulations that mirror operational challenges faced in large z/OS environments. The focus is on advanced usage, automation, policy enforcement, reporting, and performance optimization across zSecure modules. The course emphasizes applied skills over theory and is ideal for those ready to elevate their mastery of zSecure solutions.


IBM zSecure Exploitation Workshop Course Objectives

  • Understand the architecture and integration points of zSecure Admin, Audit, and Command Verifier.
  • Configure and customize zSecure components based on organizational policies.
  • Automate routine RACF tasks and implement dynamic rule sets.
  • Perform advanced auditing and reporting with filtering and dashboard capabilities.
  • Detect misconfigurations, anomalies, and unauthorized access patterns.
  • Correlate administrative actions with security outcomes for compliance tracking.
  • Analyze and tune performance to reduce overhead and enhance response time.
  • Simulate attack scenarios and apply zSecure defenses to mitigate them.
  • Apply governance frameworks through policy-driven security enforcement.


Course Methodology

The course features expert-led workshops, scenario-based labs, tool walkthroughs, and peer-to-peer collaboration. Learners will actively engage with live environments and complete daily exploitation challenges.


Who Should Take This Course

  • RACF Security Administrators
  • z/OS System Programmers
  • Mainframe Security Analysts
  • IT Governance and Compliance Officers
  • Cybersecurity Professionals working on IBM Mainframe
  • Technical staff implementing RACF automation and enforcement


IBM zSecure Exploitation Workshop Course Outlines

Day 1: zSecure Suite Overview and Environment Setup

  • Overview of zSecure Admin, Audit, and Command Verifier
  • Installation review and dataset configuration
  • Managing profiles and user interfaces in ISPF
  • Review of RACF architecture and zSecure data flow
  • Loading and refreshing SMF and CKFREEZE data
  • Lab: Initial environment preparation and configuration

Day 2: Advanced RACF Administration and Automation

  • Automating user provisioning and permission changes
  • Managing group structures and template profiles
  • Creating batch jobs using zSecure Admin
  • Enforcing administrative separation of duties
  • Dynamic rule-based management scenarios
  • Lab: Admin automation and controlled delegation

Day 3: Auditing, Reporting, and Compliance Simulation

  • Advanced reporting customization and layout options
  • Running policy compliance checks (e.g., SOX, PCI-DSS)
  • Correlating RACF access logs with audit trails
  • Detecting privilege escalation and dormant users
  • Exporting, scheduling, and emailing audit reports
  • Lab: Full compliance audit simulation

Day 4: Command Verifier and Real-Time Control

  • Real-time command verification and enforcement
  • Writing custom rules and override policies
  • Handling operational exceptions and nested logic
  • Blocking unauthorized attempts dynamically
  • Integration of Audit logs with command verification alerts
  • Lab: Policy writing and testing with CV

Day 5: Threat Simulation, Optimization, and Best Practices

  • Simulating insider threat and access misuse
  • Fine-tuning performance across zSecure modules
  • System tuning tips to reduce impact on z/OS
  • Logging analysis for forensic investigation
  • Final Capstone Lab: Simulated breach scenario and response
  • Review and wrap-up


Conclusion

By successfully completing the IBM zSecure Exploitation Workshop with Gentex Training Center, participants will gain advanced and actionable expertise in the strategic use of IBM zSecure. They will leave with the skills to implement robust RACF controls, conduct effective audits, and optimize their security architecture to respond to complex operational challenges.