Keep security policy aligned with the operating estate
Powertech Policy Minder for IBM i is a policy-management enquiry. Its value should be assessed through the settings and exceptions administrators need to keep consistent, rather than through the existence of a policy document alone. Define the approved state, which systems it applies to and who may authorise a departure.
Inventory relevant IBM i configurations and business constraints. Some differences may be necessary for an application or operational role, so identify their purpose before labelling them as drift. Confirm the product’s current supported checks and management behaviour for the selected environment.
Review exceptions as part of policy operation
A useful trial compares known settings with the selected baseline and demonstrates how an approved exception is distinguished from an unexplained change. If corrective actions are proposed, they need separate approval and an application-impact check. Avoid allowing a baseline update to silently legitimise every newly discovered state.
Handover should include policy ownership, review frequency, evidence custody and the process for changing the baseline after an application upgrade. MMC can help scope configuration review and agreed policy setup. The customer remains responsible for choosing the policy and approving business exceptions, including any UAE sector requirements its advisers identify.
Evidence to request for this scope
- Define baseline values and the systems to which each requirement applies.
- Demonstrate a known difference and a documented, approved exception.
- Record how baseline changes are authorised and how remediation is validated after implementation.