Cryptographic hardware has major potential for enhancing both performance and security in IBM mainframe environments, but its value often goes untapped due to underutilization or lack of expertise.
To explore this critical topic, we’ve gathered insights from two seasoned mainframe experts, Amadeus Spirk and James Loftus. Amadeus offers extensive expertise in system performance optimization, while James Loftus brings a wealth of knowledge in IT security and compliance.
This article combines their expert insights into a detailed guide on maximizing the potential of your crypto cards, focusing on achieving both operational efficiency and strong security.
Pervasive encryption is often hailed as the cornerstone of modern data protection, offering a robust safeguard for securing digital environments. Yet, while its benefits are undeniable, implementing encryption comes with notable challenges.
One of the most significant hurdles is its heavy demand on processing power. Encryption is resource-intensive, often slowing down systems and increasing operational costs. This is particularly critical in environments such as IBM Z systems, where every unit of processing power carries a premium.
Fortunately, IBM provides hardware solutions to alleviate the strain caused by encryption. These include on-chip crypto co-processors (referred to as CPACFs) and Crypto Express Cards, both designed to optimize encryption tasks with greater efficiency.
However, these impressive tools are often underutilized. Time and time again, I encounter clients who have invested in Crypto Express Cards but leave them idle, or who begin to experiment with CPACFs and abandon the effort when initial results fall short.
A particularly striking example involved a client whose system was struggling during peak times, with nearly 50% of their TCP/IP workload devoted to encryption. The client had both CPACFs and Crypto Express Cards, yet neither was fully leveraged.
The core issue? A lack of personnel with the expertise to configure and manage the hardware. Their sole specialist was already spread thin handling day-to-day security operations, leaving no capacity to focus on optimization.
This scenario is far from unique. Across the board, I see businesses investing in cryptographic hardware with the understanding that it will save money and meet growing encryption needs, only to face challenges with configuration and resource allocation.
The result? Hardware remains idle while encryption continues to tax system resources, leading to increased costs and decreased efficiency. It’s a lose-lose situation.
Looking ahead, this type of hardware will only become more essential. Encryption is not optional, and regulatory environments increasingly demand robust protections. However, it’s essential to enter these investments with open eyes. Ensure that you not only acquire the hardware but also dedicate sufficient expertise to implement and maintain it effectively.
Without intentional planning and prioritization, your business might find itself better off purchasing additional general-purpose processors to offset encryption demand – an inefficient solution compared to the potential power of specialized hardware.
But system performance is just the beginning. In our next section, Security Practice Lead James Loftus looks at how unused crypto cards can create security vulnerabilities. Discover the risks and how to keep your business protected: https://cptglobal.com/resources/maximizing-cryptographic-hardware-value-from-underutilized-to-optimized-part-2