Hey IBM i System Admins, do you sometimes have stress filled, worrying and just plain weird dreams of being chased by gremlins, goblins and goobers? Are you losing sleep over the thought of your precious IBM i platform becoming a hacker’s piñata? Fear not! The IBM i is built like a digital fortress, guarding your business operations and data like a loyal dragon.

But here’s the kicker: some of you think this fortress is so impregnable that you’ve left the drawbridge down and the moat filled with chocolate syrup.

Yes, you heard me. If you’re one of those admins who believes your IBM i is inherently hacker-proof, you might be in for a comedic wake-up call.

Let’s take a stroll through the top 10 security risks that could turn your IBM i into a sitcom-worthy disaster—and how to slap those risks silly with some solid fixes.

10 Ways Your IBM i Could Star in a Hacker’s Comedy Special (And How to Cancel the Show)

1. Too Many Cooks in the Admin Kitchen

Picture this: your IBM i system is like a buffet where everyone has a VIP pass to the all-you-can-eat database files and objects. Too many users with admin powers? That’s like handing out keys to the kingdom and hoping nobody trashes the throne room.

Fix It: Regularly audit user profiles like you’re Sherlock Holmes. Set up role-based access, track who’s got the keys, and watch for sneaky employees sneaking in through the back door.

2. Passwords So Obvious, They’re Practically Invitations

If your users’ passwords are their usernames or “Password123,” you’re basically rolling out a red carpet for hackers. They’ll waltz in, sip your data like fine wine, and maybe even wipe your system for giggles.

Fix It: Mandate strong passwords during onboarding. Use compliance monitoring to sniff out default passwords and shame users (gently) into picking something less predictable than “ILoveIBM.”

3. Ignoring Compliance Like It’s Junk Mail

Some of you treat compliance mandates like that gym membership you swore you’d use. Ignoring them or halfheartedly installing security tools is like hoping an auditor won’t notice your IBM i lacks virus protection. Spoiler: they might not, but hackers will.

Fix It: Do your homework on compliance requirements. Invest in the right software and processes to keep your IBM i squeaky clean and auditor-approved.

4. Running an IBM i Version Older Than Your Flip Phone

Using an unsupported IBM i version is like driving a car with no brakes and hoping for a smooth ride. No security patches, no vendor support, and a big neon sign that says, “Hack Me!”

Fix It: Update to the latest version. It’s not sexy, but it’s the only way to keep your IBM i from becoming a hacker’s retro playground.

5. Trusting Menu Security Like It’s a Bank Vault

Green screen menu security is cute, but it’s not Fort Knox. Savvy users can bypass those menus faster than you can say “command line.” Suddenly, they’re in areas they shouldn’t be, causing chaos.

Fix It: Don’t rely on menu security alone. Implement object-level authority and lock down other access points like PC interfaces. No more menu-hopping shenanigans!

6. Thinking One Security Layer Is Enough

A single firewall or antivirus is like guarding your castle with one sleepy knight. Hackers will tiptoe past, giggling. You need a multi-layered defense to keep the digital barbarians at bay.

Fix It: Stack your defenses—firewalls, exit point management, virus protection, and user profile controls. Think of it as a security lasagna: the more layers, the better.

7. Skipping Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Bigwigs

No MFA for admin accounts? That’s like leaving the CEO’s office unlocked with a “Take What You Want” sign. Especially for environments like PCI DSS, MFA is non-negotiable.

Fix It: Roll out MFA for privileged accounts. MFA is built into IBM i V7.6 so what is your excuse not to use it? It’s an extra hoop to jump through, but it’s way better than explaining a data breach to the board.

8. Letting End Users Play With Command Lines

Giving users command-line access is like handing a toddler a flamethrower. They might not mean to burn the house down, but with over 2,000 IBM i commands at their fingertips, accidents happen.

Fix It: Restrict command-line access to specific environments (like green screen, not FTP). Monitor user authorizations to keep the chaos in check.

9. Skimping on Security Level 40

IBM says set your security level to 40, but some of you keep it lower to run ancient programs, promising to “fix it later.” Spoiler: “later” never comes, and hackers love the loopholes.

Fix It: Get to security level 40, stat. Plan the update, test it thoroughly, and don’t let legacy apps hold your security hostage.

10. No Plan for When Hackers Crash the Party

A cyber-attack isn’t like a power outage—you can’t just wait for the lights to come back on. Without a specific response plan, you’re left scrambling while hackers do the Macarena with your data.

Fix It: Create a cyber-attack response plan separate from your disaster recovery playbook. Identify threats, block access, and have a clear strategy to assess and recover from damage.

Wrap-Up: Don’t Let Your IBM i Be the Punchline

Your IBM i platform is a beast, but even beasts need a good groomer.

By tackling these 10 risks with a mix of vigilance, updates, and a sprinkle of paranoia, you’ll keep your system safe from hackers and your reputation safe from watercooler jokes.

So, grab your security toolkit, channel your inner superhero, and make your IBM i the Fort Knox it was meant to be!