Strategies for Preventing New Mainframe Data Exfiltration Vulnerabilities
MainTegrity CEO Al Saurette outlines the multi-facted approach required to protect sensitive data from exfiltration, including file integrity monitoring, behavioral anomaly analysis, access controls and data encryption
Considering all the critical data they hold, mainframes present an enticing target for sophisticated cybercriminals, and new vulnerabilities have emerged as these systems have become increasingly integrated with broader networks. To combat data exfiltration under these perilous conditions, organizations must adopt proactive measures tailored to their infrastructure and threat landscape.
Here’s a look at the actions that can prevent catastrophic data loss at the hands of bad actors:
File Integrity Monitoring (FIM)
Monitoring critical system files for unauthorized changes can detect tampering early, providing an essential layer of protection for sensitive environments. For example, detecting changes to access control files or unauthorized modifications to key system configurations can signal an active breach. FIM tools can also track attempts to overwrite or delete audit logs, a common tactic attackers use to cover their tracks. While FIM alone does not prevent attacks, it is required by most regulatory standards and frameworks due to its ability to provide early warnings of suspicious activity. This critical functionality helps organizations minimize damage and improve response times. While native monitoring tools on mainframes may have limitations in scope or functionality, integrating third-party solutions tailored for large-scale systems can significantly enhance visibility and responsiveness.
Behavioral Anomalies
By analyzing user behavior, such as irregular login times, unusual data access patterns, or deviations from established baselines, organizations can flag insider threats or compromised accounts. User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) enhances this approach by using machine learning to detect subtle anomalies that traditional systems might miss. For instance, UEBA can identify patterns like an employee accessing sensitive files they’ve never accessed before, repeated failed login attempts across multiple systems, or excessive dataset read operations. MainTegrity’s Early Warning system complements this by generating alerts for excessive read activity, enabling swift investigation and action. These capabilities are particularly valuable in environments with high volumes of activity, where manual monitoring would be insufficient to detect malicious behavior.
Access Controls and Privilege Management
Mainframes often handle sensitive workloads, making strict access control policies essential. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) ensures that even if credentials are stolen, attackers cannot easily gain unauthorized access. The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) plays a critical role here, ensuring users only have access to the data and systems necessary for their roles, reducing the risk of misuse or exploitation. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) further strengthens this approach by aligning access permissions with specific job functions. Regular audits of access controls can help identify inactive or unnecessary privileges, which could otherwise be exploited by attackers. However, legacy mainframes may require additional tools or custom configurations to support these advanced access control measures effectively.
Data Encryption
Encrypting data in transit and at rest is a critical defense mechanism to ensure that even if attackers exfiltrate files, the stolen data remains unreadable. Modern mainframes, designed to handle sensitive financial and personal information, already incorporate robust encryption capabilities. However, organizations can further enhance their data protection by leveraging advanced techniques such as pervasive encryption to seamlessly encrypt all datasets without application changes, implementing centralized key management systems to secure and rotate encryption keys, and adopting quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms to prepare for emerging threats. These measures ensure that mainframes remain resilient against sophisticated data exfiltration attempts.
Regular Vulnerability Assessments
Regular vulnerability assessments are essential for identifying and mitigating risks such as outdated software, configuration errors, or misconfigured APIs. These assessments can proactively detect issues like authority tampering, weak encryption settings, or exposed endpoints, enabling organizations to address security gaps before they are exploited. By integrating automated scanning tools, continuous monitoring, and periodic manual reviews, organizations can maintain a robust security posture and adapt quickly to emerging threats.
While encryption, access controls, and vulnerability assessments form the backbone of data protection, organizations should complement these measures with additional strategies. For instance, integrating Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools can block unauthorized data transfers, though options tailored for mainframes remain limited. In such cases, organizations can rely on network segmentation to limit lateral movement and reduce the potential impact of a breach. Proactive patch management addresses known vulnerabilities, and insider threat programs with Privileged Access Management (PAM) add an extra layer of protection against internal risks. Advanced tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and threat intelligence feeds enable organizations to detect and block sophisticated attacks in real time. Furthermore, security awareness training ensures employees recognize and avoid common attack vectors like phishing and social engineering.
Addressing Attacks in Real Time
Human reaction time is often the limiting factor in mitigating the impact of cyberattacks. Data exfiltration and rogue encryptions progress so rapidly that immediate response is critical. Delays caused by waiting for support staff to interpret alerts and determine actions provide attackers with the opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities further.
Automated processes, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms, are essential for detecting and halting malicious activity within seconds of its initiation. For example, AI-driven monitoring tools can flag anomalous data transfers or suspicious login behaviors, automatically isolating affected systems to prevent further damage. These systems not only stop active threats but also enable support teams to focus on analyzing incidents and strengthening defenses.
In the evolving landscape of cyber threats, real-time defense isn’t just about reaction—it’s about resilience. Once sensitive data is exfiltrated, it’s irretrievable. Automated systems ensure that organizations can neutralize threats while maintaining operational continuity, safeguarding critical systems against irreparable harm.