86-01-10.1 Audit and Control of Micro-Mainframe Systems

Changes in the computer industry have increased the importance and sensitivity of micromainframe links. Over the past 10 years, for example, microcomputer hardware and micromainframe link software have improved significantly. Network technologies and vendor selections have increased, creating a multivendor, multiservice environment. The use of fiber optic cabling has increased the number of circuits within a single cable. This fact increases the risk of service loss if a cable is cut, but fortunately, fiber optic technology is very reliable and difficult to wiretap. Local and Wide Area Network also introduce many security and control issues. The use of digital data transmission has improved the reliability and speed of communications between devices. With it, configurations can be created that send data and voice over a single backbone. If communications systems designed in this manner fail, however, losses are concentrated and affect micro-mainframe links. Finally, the deregulation of the telephone industry has led to a need for communications standards and connectivity such as the Open Systems Interconnect and Integrated Services Digital Network standards. They provide a basis for establishing security and control within their models and profoundly affect the security and control of micro-mainframe links.