Introduction

IBM i provides a robust security model to control access to data, applications, and system resources. Understanding how user authentication, roles, and permissions work is crucial for maintaining a secure environment. This guide introduces user profiles, object authority, and best security practices to help beginners navigate IBM i security.

1. User Profiles: The Foundation of IBM i Security

A user profile is an IBM i object that represents an individual user or a group of users. It defines their authentication, access rights, and system privileges.

Key Attributes of a User Profile:

• User ID & Password – Credentials for authentication.
• User Class – Defines the role (e.g., security officer, operator, programmer).
• Special Authorities – Determines system-wide privileges.
• Initial Program & Menu – Defines what a user sees after logging in.
• Library List – Specifies accessible libraries.

Common Commands for Managing User Profiles:

• DSPUSRPRF – Display user profile details.
• CRTUSRPRF – Create a new user profile.
• CHGUSRPRF USRPRF(USERNAME) PWDEXP(*YES) – Force a password change on next login.
• DLTUSRPRF USRPRF(USERNAME) – Delete a user profile.

2. Authority Levels: Controlling Access to Objects

IBM i security is based on an object-based model, where every object (files, libraries, programs, etc.) has access controls.

Types of Authority:

Common Commands for Managing Object Authority:

• WRKAUT – Work with object authority.
• GRTOBJAUT – Grant authority to a user.
• RVKOBJAUT – Revoke authority.

3. Special Authorities: System-Wide Privileges

IBM i provides special authorities to grant elevated access for administrative tasks.

Common Special Authorities:

• SECADM (*SECADM) – Security administration.
• ALLOBJ (*ALLOBJ) – Full access to all objects.
• SPLCTL (*SPLCTL) – Control over spooled files.
• JOBCTL (*JOBCTL) – Manage system jobs.

Viewing Special Authorities:

Use the following command:

DSPUSRPRF USRPRF(USERNAME)

Look for the Special Authority section in the output.

4. Best Practices for IBM i Security

1. Enforce Strong Password Policies

• Require complex passwords (e.g., mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols).
• Use password expiration policies to force periodic changes.
• Disable accounts after multiple failed login attempts.

2. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

• Assign users to groups with specific roles.
• Use authorization lists for easier security management.
• Restrict the use of ALLOBJ and SECADM to trusted admins only.

3. Monitor and Audit User Activity

• Enable audit journals to track security-related events.
• Regularly review user profiles and their permissions.
• Use QSYSOPR message queue to monitor system alerts.

4. Secure Network Access

• Disable unnecessary services (e.g., FTP if not needed).
• Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for encrypted connections.
• Implement firewalls and IP filtering to restrict remote access.

5. Regularly Review Security Policies

• Conduct periodic security assessments.
• Keep the system updated with IBM PTFs (Program Temporary Fixes).
• Train users on security awareness and best practices.

Conclusion

IBM i security revolves around user profiles, authority levels, and special privileges. By implementing strong authentication, access control policies, and regular audits, you can ensure a secure and well-managed IBM i environment.