Remember, it's not important that you follow all recommendations of an IT
audit. Just so that you have it documented as to why you have these
exceptions. For example, many people who audit will ding you if you don't
limit people from signing on to more than one 5250 session via QLMTDEVSSN.
This is to stop you from sharing passwords. The fact that someone can
use the same userid and password to log on to 50 PC's and simultaneously
access DB2 data with Excel doesn't matter to them. Just document that you
have an exception because people use multiple sessions to perform their
daily tasks. For example, performing a material status inquiry on one
session while entering orders on another.
SOX compliance is often quoted to inspire FUD to get you to write a bigger
check to either auditors or people who peddle products for security.
However, embrace the audit. Look at it as a tool to see how you could
make your operations more secure. Just know they are offering
recommendations - not cast in stone edicts.
Rob Berendt
