IT security is paramount in today's digital age. As businesses increasingly rely on technology to operate, protecting sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks is a priority. Cloud adoption introduces more security risks, which include data breaches and loss of access. A strong IT security infrastructure safeguards customer information, financial data, intellectual property, and overall business operations. By investing in robust security measures, organizations can mitigate risks, maintain trust with customers, and help ensure business continuity.

A multi-layered security architecture is essential for protection. Key areas to focus on include the following items:

*Hardware-level security: Prevent physical tampering and help ensure data integrity.

*Virtualization security: Isolate environments and control resource access.

*Management tool security: Secure hardware and cloud resources.

*Operating system security: Continuously update for robust security.

*Storage security: Protect data at rest and in transit.

*Networking security: Prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

This IBM Redbooks® publication describes how the IBM Power ecosystem provides advanced security capabilities at each of these layers. IBM Power servers are designed with security as a core consideration.

At the hardware level, advanced technology includes tamper-resistant features that are built in to the processor to prevent unauthorized access and modifications, secure cryptographic engines to provide strong encryption of data, and Trusted Boot to help ensure that only authorized software components are loaded during system startup.

At the virtualization level, the hypervisor, which manages virtual machines (VMs), is designed to be secure and resistant to attacks. The hypervisor isolates workloads within a single physical server, which enables secure resource sharing within your infrastructure. The Hardware Management Console (HMC) provides centralized management and control of Power servers in a secure manner.

The operating systems that run on IBM Power servers (IBM AIX®, IBM i, and Linux on Power) offer robust security features, which include user authentication, access controls, and encryption support. Also, tools such as IBM PowerSC provide a comprehensive security and compliance solution that helps manage security policies, monitor threats, and enforce compliance.

Security also requires solid management and control. This book describes best practices such as conducting regular security audits, keeping operating systems and applications up to date with the latest security fixes, and implementing strong user authentication and authorization policies. Other critical elements include the implementation of data encryption for both data at rest and in transit, and strong network security processes that use firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and other security measures.

By combining these hardware, software, and management practices, IBM Power provides a robust foundation for security in your IT environment.

Chapter 1. Security and cybersecurity challenges

Chapter 2. Protection across every layer

Chapter 3. Security in the virtualization and management layer

Chapter 4. IBM AIX security

Chapter 5. IBM i security

Chapter 6. Linux security and compliance on IBM Power

Chapter 7. Red Hat OpenShift Security

Chapter 8. Certifications

Chapter 9. IBM PowerSC

Chapter 10. IBM Power Virtual Server security

Chapter 11. Lessons learned and future directions in IBM Power security

Appendix A. IBM Technology Expert Labs offerings

Appendix B. Ecosystem and products