Research: Don't Let Mainframe Security Complacency Leave Your Critical Customer Data at Risk

Research Reveals Pervasive Complacency Around Mainframe Security

Mainframes are increasingly targeted in data breaches because of the wealth of sensitive, mission-critical information they contain. But, are organizations’ current mainframe security attitudes and processes up to the task?

To find out, Key Resources Inc. commissioned a study, conducted by Forrester Consulting, of 225 IT management and security decision-makers at North American companies with $500 million+ in annual revenue.

We found that despite widespread awareness concerning the stakes, enterprises simply aren’t devoting enough attention and resources to mainframe security.

Download the full research study, “Don’t Let Mainframe Security Complacency Leave Your Critical Customer Data At Risk,” to learn more.

Download the full study

Interview: Forrester analyst Amy DeMartine on mainframe security

In the age of digital transformation, many companies have worked to secure their cloud infrastructure. But what about the systems, like mainframes, that interact with the cloud?

Watch as Amy explains the key findings from the research.

Widespread complacency, even in the face of massive risk

95%

of companies are concerned about potential customer data breaches on the mainframe

85%

say mainframe security is a top priority

Businesses know mainframe security is important. But, our research found that very few actually take steps to protect their mainframes. This complacency puts their most critical IT systems at significant risk. Addressing the problem means scanning mainframe operating systems for zero-day vulnerabilities—a significant attack vector in data breaches. Yet, vulnerability scanning ranked last when respondents were asked to rank the most important mainframe security factors.

Still, only

33%

always or often factor security into mainframe decisions

“All it takes is one mainframe data breach to bring an organization to its knees. But, many organizations lack the tools, personnel, and in some cases, knowledge, they need to protect their mainframes and all the mission-critical data they hold.”

—Ray Overby, President, Key Resources, Inc.

Dive Into the Research

Get expert insights

The survey revealed a dangerous lack of consideration around mainframe security. KRI president and co-founder Ray Overby shares his thoughts in a blog.

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Mainframe Security Research Key Resources Inc Forrester

Despite widespread awareness of the stakes, organization complacency is putting mission-critical mainframes at risk. Here are four key findings from the research.

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