SECURE YOUR MAINFRAME

MAINFRAME PENETRATION TESTING

Security vulnerabilities can lead to external or internal breaches of the existing security controls in place. Once breached, there is a high risk of compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the mission-critical mainframe systems or the data residing therein. Mainframe Penetration Testing services evaluate the security of your mainframe systems by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Safeguard your organization’s valuable data, maintain compliance with industry regulations, and strengthen your overall security posture by proactively addressing mainframe-specific risks.

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What You'll Get

Executive Summary
Executive Summary

Key findings, risks, impacts, and critical recommendations.

Methodology

Overview of methodologies, standards, tactics, and techniques used.

Technical Report

Detailed vulnerability analysis, reproduction steps, PoC, evidence.

Recommendations

Strategic and tactical walkthrough on how to fix vulnerabilities.

Expert Guidance

Comprehensive advice on cybersecurity enhancement strategies.

Complimentary Retest

 Offered once vulnerabilities are fixed.

PROTECT AGAINST THE LATEST THREATS

What is Mainframe Penetration Testing?

Mainframe penetration testing is an assessment that identifies vulnerabilities within mainframe systems, using the same techniques as hackers to breach your infrastructure. According to most mainframe manufacturers’ terms and conditions of warranty, including IBM, it is each user’s responsibility to detect and mitigate any vulnerabilities, whether at the software or hardware level. In addition, industry standards require that penetration testing needs to be performed regularly.

Secragon’s mainframe testing services offer valuable insight into your LPAR security, providing actionable guidance on how to improve your in-scope mainframes and systems security and help meet compliance requirements. We specialize in penetration tests that are 90% manual and 10% automated, designed to replicate real-world attacks. We use commercial, open source, and proprietary software, along with a mix of public and in-house developed exploits and in-depth analysis to discover vulnerabilities not yet published and often not yet discovered. We evaluate your infrastructure from the perspective of an anonymous (non-credentialed) or an authenticated (presumed breach) perspective.

We don’t just point out security holes; we help you solve them.

Presents an independent perspective of your current security posture to help IT teams demonstrate risk to executives and non-technical stakeholders effectively.

Ensure that security practices are consistent across different systems and that legacy vulnerabilities are not overlooked.

Mainframes often process and store sensitive data. Penetration testing verifies the effectiveness of security measures in protecting this data against unauthorized access or breaches.

Many industries are governed by regulatory standards that mandate regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to ensure the protection of sensitive information.

Use insights from the pentest to allocate resources strategically, focusing on your vulnerable areas.

Mainframe infrastructure is a hunting ground for ransomware attacks, which can paralyze business operations and compromise critical data.

Why Conduct a Mainframe Penetration Test?

Conducting a Mainframe Penetration Test is crucial for maintaining robust security and regulatory compliance. It provides deep insights into potential vulnerabilities and ensures that protective measures are both effective and up to date. Here is what your organization will gain after conducting a project with our team:

PROTECT AGAINST THE LATEST THREATS

When Should You Perform a Mainframe Penetration Test?

Mainframe Penetration Testing should be performed as frequently as required by the organizational security policy, with a general recommendation to conduct testing at least once per year. In addition to the regular schedule, penetration testing is particularly advisable in the following circumstances:

When new systems or applications are added to the network.

Upon the addition of new, sensitive features or components.

If the organization relocates to a new facility.

After a security incident or breach.

Following significant upgrades or configuration changes.

As a requirement or part of a regulatory or compliance audit.

We Provide Expert Solutions And Definite Results

Transparent
Pricing

Clear, upfront, with no
hidden costs.

Dedicated Project
Manager

Your security is our
commitment.

Retesting After
Fixes

Ensuring threats are
truly eliminated.

Affordable
Expertise

Premium protection,
reasonable rates.

Customized
Approach

Solutions fitted to your
specific needs.

Proactive
Protection

Effectively securing your
digital assets.

What Will be Assessed During a Mainframe Penetration Test?

Our mainframe assessment is typically split into three phases:

Non-disruptive Data
Collection

Gathering system information such as IPL parameters, dataset authorizations, hardware configurations, and security settings using standard user credentials.

Penetration
Testing

Attempting privilege elevation and checking system protections using client-supplied IDs. This includes library and password checks, public dataset and resource access, command authority, and system exit verifications.

Software
Scanning

Using specialized scanning software to detect system integrity issues and vulnerabilities in interfaces and authorized calls. A detailed report is produced to facilitate targeted remediation with IBM, third-party vendors (ISVs), and internal software teams.

Our Penetration Testing Process

If your organization has not gone through a penetration test before, you may not know what to expect. Even if you have, maybe you are wondering what Secragon’s stages of penetration testing are. Here is a high-level break down of each step of our proven process:

Activities: Engage stakeholders, define targets, plan logistics for efficient, transparent execution.

 

Outcomes: Scope Validation, Proposal, Contract.

Activities: Environment preparation, OSINT collection, attack scenario planning.

Outcomes: Strategy Development, Threat Insight.

Activities: Vulnerability identification, active exploitation, privilege escalation, execution of realistic attack scenarios, data and information collection, persistence maintenance, and documentation of steps.

Outcomes: Comprehensive Report, including Executive Summary, Technical Details, Impact Analysis, Recommendations.

Activities: Supporting vulnerability remediation with actionable steps and advice, answering follow-up queries.

Outcomes: Remediation Plan, Security Enhancement.

Activities: Validate the effectiveness of remediation efforts through complementary retesting.

Outcomes: Re-test Results, Attestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Couldn’t find the information you were looking for?

How is the scope of a mainframe penetration test defined?

The scope of a mainframe penetration test is outlined by pinpointing specific mainframe components to be tested, setting the objectives and extent of the testing, and ensuring compliance with legal and industry standards. The expected deliverables are also established.

How fast can I get a mainframe penetration test?

A Mainframe Penetration Test can typically be scheduled within 5-10 days following a scoping call. If you need an urgent test, reach out to us immediately—we’re ready to assist. Connect with us now to secure your spot!

How much does a mainframe penetration test cost?

The cost of a Mainframe Penetration Test can vary significantly based on factors such as the size and complexity of the mainframe environment, the depth and breadth of the testing required, the specific goals of the assessment, the experience level of the testers, and any special regulatory compliance needs. Receive a free quote with no engagement using our quoting tool →

How does mainframe penetration testing fit into our overall cybersecurity strategy?

Mainframe Network Penetration Testing is an essential part of a company’s overall cybersecurity strategy. It helps identify potential vulnerabilities in wireless network infrastructure, often a weak point for organizations, which can be proactively addressed to prevent potential cyberattacks.

Is my data safe during a security assessment?

Client data protection is our priority. We use non-destructive methods during our assessments and maintain strict confidentiality.

How do we prepare for a mainframe penetration test?

The requirements to get started with Mainframe Network Penetration Testing include:

• Access to the target z/OS system: Two TSO user IDs

• Security for the test IDs: since the data produced by this exercise is highly sensitive, only suitably authorized personnel should have access to the files created by these user IDs. All other access should be “NONE”.

Access to the system must be provided no later than the morning of the first day that Secragon begins testing.

SECRAGON, YOUR CYBERSECURITY PROVIDER

We, at Secragon, are a team of certified ethical hackers, visionary security engineers, seasoned penetration testers, and committed project managers… but first of all – professionals, who LIVE and BREATHE Offensive Security. Along the list of qualifications, titles, and credentials, we bring a real “think outside of the box” mindset to every project and we constantly strive to learn, explore, and push forward to master complex concepts and deliver top-notch services and results.

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