Introduction
In high-security environments powered by z/OS, unauthorized or misused RACF commands can lead to serious vulnerabilities or compliance violations. IBM zSecure Command Verifier is an advanced security extension that ensures command-level verification for RACF operations. It adds a crucial layer of control by checking the authorization of RACF commands before they are executed—reducing the risk of human error, privilege misuse, and accidental changes to sensitive security profiles.
This 5-day training course provided by Gentex Training Center offers a complete understanding of how to implement, configure, and utilize IBM zSecure Command Verifier. Participants will explore its integration with RACF, set command authorization policies, analyze security impacts, and use best practices for managing access and compliance. The course combines structured learning with guided labs to ensure practical skill development.
IBM zSecure Command Verifier Course Objectives
- Understand the purpose and core architecture of IBM zSecure Command Verifier.
- Learn how RACF commands are verified and enforced in real time.
- Define, manage, and test rule-based policies for specific commands.
- Control and restrict administrative privileges using granular controls.
- Detect and prevent unauthorized command execution before it affects RACF settings.
- Customize rule enforcement for different user groups, commands, or environments.
- Integrate Command Verifier with zSecure Admin and Audit for complete coverage.
- Review logs and audit trails to ensure policy compliance.
- Apply best practices to support internal governance and external compliance frameworks.
Course Methodology
This course blends expert-led lectures, live tool demonstrations, practical exercises, and interactive discussions. Real-world scenarios help reinforce key concepts through applied learning.
Who Should Take This Course
- RACF Security Administrators
- System Programmers
- Security and Compliance Officers
- z/OS Infrastructure Architects
- Mainframe Auditors and Analysts
- Professionals overseeing privileged access and command execution
IBM zSecure Command Verifier Course Outlines
Day 1: Introduction to IBM zSecure Command Verifier
- Role of Command Verifier in mainframe security
- Overview of RACF command structure
- Installation prerequisites and setup basics
- Verifier architecture and configuration files
- Understanding rule-based authorization models
- Hands-on: Initial installation and environment setup
Day 2: Defining and Managing Command Rules
- Rule format, syntax, and structure
- Creating rules for common RACF commands
- Testing and simulating rule impact
- Managing exceptions and conditional logic
- Group-specific and user-based rule customization
- Hands-on: Writing and activating sample rules
Day 3: Advanced Rule Implementation and Troubleshooting
- Using the ISPF interface to manage rules
- Nested rule conditions and override scenarios
- Debugging denied commands and authorization errors
- Integration with RACF profile changes
- Versioning and managing multiple rule sets
- Hands-on: Rule deployment in a live environment
Day 4: Integration with zSecure Admin and Audit
- Enabling synergy with zSecure Admin for command tracking
- Logging and audit trail analysis using zSecure Audit
- Correlating command attempts with user activity
- Generating reports for security and compliance audits
- Customizing dashboards and alerts
- Hands-on: Full command lifecycle simulation and review
Day 5: Best Practices, Use Cases, and Optimization
- Real-world examples of preventing privilege misuse
- Developing governance policies using Command Verifier
- Reducing operational risks through automation
- Fine-tuning rule enforcement for large environments
- Final exercise: Policy simulation and rule evaluation
- Q&A and course summary
Conclusion
By successfully completing the IBM zSecure Command Verifier course with Gentex Training Center, participants will gain critical expertise in enhancing RACF security through proactive command verification. This course enables professionals to reduce risks, control privileged activity, and align system operations with compliance requirements. Participants return with practical skills that improve mainframe security posture and support robust governance models.