Security Features

Security features deter unauthorized use of your system and data. If you use your server in a public environment, such as an office, you might want to protect it and the data stored on it, by using one or more security features. Before implementing any security features, you might begin by evaluating your security needs. Where will the system be located? Does it need to be secured to permanent furniture or fixtures? Should use of the system be limited? When you have identified your security needs, you can activate or implement the appropriate security features.

LogicLock (comes with SurePath systems)
Securing Hardware
   U-Bolt Facility
   Door Locks and Keys
   Cable Cover Option
   Unauthorized-Access Monitor (Includes ServerGuard)
Removable Media
Securing Data
   Power-On Password
   Unattended Start Mode
   Administrator Password
   Keyboard Password
   Selectable Drive Startup
   Secure IPL Source
Securing Data from Loss
   Backup Copies
   Redundant Copies
   Parity Information
   Viruses
   Erased Files
   Backup Power Supply
     Uninterruptible Power Supplies
     Standby Power Supplies


LogicLock (Comes with SurePath systems)

Note: We are not sure on how the LogicLock switches provide input to the CMOS. At this point, I am not sure if there are ancillary ICs involved with storing status outside of the CMOS. So until further notice, don't enable the PAP (Unauthorized Access Monitor).

LogicLock (advanced security features) that come with your server include tamper-evident switches. This active security feature uses microswitches on the covers to indicate if someone has tried to open the front cover. Location and pinout of Cover Interlock Connector (JMP3).

If the case cover is forced while PAP is enabled, the CMOS user configuration will be erased and the system power will be shut off. This will force an autoconfiguration or manual configuration, but either will require the use of the Administrator or Privileged Access Password (PAP).

Note: If the PAP is forgotten, the planar must be replaced or returned for repair.

Extended Control Register A (Hex 4A)
Bit 2 - "TF" tamper-evident status bit shows if cover breached, clearing CMOS and generating an interrupt. Setting this bit to "0" clears the interrupt. (the clear-RAM enable bit must be set to "1" for this status bit to be set to "1")

Extended Control Register B (Hex 4B)
Bit 4 - "CLR" the clear RAM enable bit controls the tamper evident logic. When set to "1", config info in CMOS RAM is erased when cover breached. When this is "0" CMOS RAM is not erased.

Bit 2 - "TE" tamper evident interrupt enable bit determines if interrupt is generated if covers breached. When "1" an interrupt is generated after CMOS cleared.

Michal Necasek said
 These are equivalents of what the Dallas datasheet says. Bit 2 in register 4Ah is actually the ‘RC’ or RAM clear flag indicating that the RAM was externally cleared. Bit 2 in register 4Bh is ‘RIE’ or RAM clear interrupt enable, triggering an interrupt via a RAM clear event. Bit 4 is ‘RCE’ or RAM clear enable.

 So yes, the tamper-evident functionality was directly mapped to the RAM clear circuits of the Dallas chip.

Pinout of the Cover Interlock Connector (JMP3) can be found HERE.

Notes:
    1. When cover is removed, power is removed from computer.
    2. For 00014908 or 00014909 while testing system with front bezel installed, do this: 
      1.Remove side cover. 
      2.Install front bezel. 
      3.While observing SW1 (on side of drive support structure), operate keylock. 
      4.If operating keylock does not fully operate SW1, replace keylock assembly and switch transfer assembly located inside front bezel. 

The lower lever switch (above blue cam assembly) passes through a cutout to engage a plastic lever arrangement on the front of the drive retainer. When the lock is in the engaged position, the end of the locking tab goes up, closing the microswitch.

The upper assembly has a plunger sticking out of the front side. That plunger is actuated by a long post that is part of the front case cover.

Securing Hardware
   One of the best methods for protecting your hardware from theft is to keep it under lock and key. One method of deterring theft is to fasten the hardware to a stationary object, such as a table, a desk, or a wall.  Another approach is to locate critical resources, such as servers, in a limited-access area behind locked doors.

   The security features of your server include the U-bolt facility, which allows you to secure the system to a stationary object with a cable or chain.  It also includes the door lock and keys. 

Subtopics:
o U-Bolt Facility
o Door Locks and Keys
o Cable Cover Option
o Unauthorized-Access Monitor

U-Bolt Facility
   If your server is in an area that is accessible to the public, you might need a method of securing it to a desk, table, or other stationary object.  Two holes are provided at the rear of the server to accommodate a U-bolt.  After the U-bolt is installed (See Installing a U-Bolt), you can use a cable or chain to lock the server in place.  (This capability is referred to as a cable-down or a bolt-down feature.)

Door Locks and Keys
   There is one door lock which mechanically deters access to the drives.  It controls access to the small door that covers the removable media drives as well as the entire front cover. If the covers are forced open without unlocking the lock, a microswitch detects the intrusion. The next time the system is started, the power-on self-test displays a message informing you that the covers have been tampered with, and that you must run the Automatic Configuration program before you can use the system. 

   Two keys are provided with your server.  Always store the keys in a safe place.  If you lose them, you must order a replacement lock mechanism and keys from IBM.  Please note that anyone who has the key serial number and manufacturer's address can order duplicate keys, so store the tag in a safe place. 

Cable Cover Option

   The cable-cover option prevents the cables from being removed from the rear of the server, and prohibits other computers or devices from being attached to the unused connectors.

Note:  The cable cover does not protect against unauthorized access through devices attached outside of the system.

Unauthorized-Access Monitor
   The unauthorized-access monitor feature works with the administrator (also known as privileged-access) password, when you are using DOS.  If you set an administrator password and the unauthorized-access monitor feature is enabled, your server will alert you if an attempt has been made to tamper with the locked covers.  (If you have a ServerGuard attached, it will dial out or send a message on the LAN) If it detects any tampering, the system will stop all operations or display an error message.  If the system stops, any data in memory waiting to be stored might be lost.  (The response to tampering varies with the operating system you are using.)

   When you set an administrator password, the unauthorized-access monitor is automatically enabled.  If you do not want the system to stop operations if the covers are tampered with, set the unauthorized-access monitor to Disable.  You can change the setting of this feature through the Change Configuration screen. 

Removable Media
   If you are using your server in an environment where a diskette is left in the drive while the server is unattended, an electronic-eject diskette drive can provide the security you need to protect the diskette from theft or damage.  This separately purchasable diskette drive allows you to lock a diskette in the drive or prohibit someone from inserting a diskette in the drive, while the drive is not in use.  However, the operating system you are using must provide a means of activating this feature (such as entering a password). 

   Not all operating systems support this feature.

Securing Data
   It is very difficult to secure shared information from theft, but an effective method is to limit user access.  Only users who need the software or data should be able to access it.  This level of access control is provided as a standard feature of most network programs. Another common feature of network programs that helps secure data from theft is password protection.  Passwords are easy to use and very effective.  They help prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive files.

   Some advanced network management programs can actually audit usage, based on names, adapter addresses, date, time, and unsuccessful attempts to access a file.  This type of information can help you identify users who are attempting to access restricted data.

   To secure extremely sensitive data, you might want to consider using a commercially available data-encryption tool.  These tools encode the data files so that they are unintelligible, thus useless if stolen.  There are two ways that you can encrypt data: by using a program or using an encryption device.  The software programs are usually less expensive than the hardware devices, but they also are slower. 

Subtopics:
o Power-On Password
o Unattended Start Mode
o Administrator Password
o Keyboard Password
o Selectable Drive Startup
o Secure IPL Source

Power-On Password
   You do not need to use a power-on password to use your server, but a password helps protect the information you store in it.  You can use any combination of up to seven characters (A-Z, a-z, and 0-9) for your power-on password.  Keep a record of your password in a secure place.  If you forget it, you will have to remove the server cover and change the position of a specific jumper to erase it.

   The power-on password locks the keyboard and mouse (if attached to the mouse port) to help prevent unauthorized use of your server.  If you are using a mouse that is connected to the serial port, the mouse remains active.

   After you set a power-on password, Enter password appears each time you turn on the server.  Before you can use the server, you must enter the correct password.  (The password does not appear on the screen as you type it.)  When you enter the correct password, Password accepted appears on the screen, the keyboard and mouse are unlocked, and the system resumes normal operation.  If you type the wrong password, Incorrect password appears on the screen and Enter password is again displayed. After three incorrect attempts, you must turn off the server and start again. 

Unattended Start Mode
   After you set a power-on password, you can enable the unattended start mode.  This mode locks the keyboard and mouse, but allows the system to start the operating system and carry out the instructions in the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files.

   Although Enter password does not appear, the keyboard and mouse remain locked until you enter the correct password.  This mode is ideal for systems that operate unattended.  If a power failure occurs, the system automatically restarts when power returns and resumes normal operation, without operator intervention. 

ATTENTION MOUSE USERS:   The following statement applies only to those who use a PS/2-style mouse; a serial mouse is not affected. 

In the unattended start mode, the keyboard and mouse ports are disabled (locked).  Because of this, the system cannot detect that a mouse is attached, and an error occurs. 

You must do one of the following: 

o In the CONFIG.SYS file, set the operating system so that it does not stop on a device-driver error.  For example, under OS/2 , use the PAUSEONERROR=NO statement. 
o Remove mouse driver statement from CONFIG.SYS file if you do not want to use a mouse. 

   When using the OS/2 operating system, if you do not perform one of the previous steps, the system issues an error message, halts, and prompts you to press Enter to continue.  Before pressing Enter, type the power-on password.

   Refer to your operating-system documentation for information about modifying your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. 

Administrator Password
   Before setting an administrator (also known as privileged-access) password, it is a good idea to read this section in its entirety.  Using this security feature requires some planning and ongoing administration.

   The administrator password allows you to control who has access to the system programs.  If an administrator password is set, you must enter it to use the system programs in the System Partition on the hard disk or on the Reference Diskette.  The administrator password also can be used to override the power-on password.  After an administrator password is set, only those who know the password can perform tasks such as: 

o Altering computer settings or features controlled by the system programs 
o Running diagnostic tests 
o Resetting the system after a forced entry (If the server is forced open, a POST error occurs.  To clear the error, you must enter the administrator password.)

  Your server is shipped with the administrator password feature Disabled. You must move a jumper on the system board before an administrator password can be set for the first time.  The jumper has two positions: 
o Locked state - prevents administrator password from being set, changed, or removed.  This is the position set at the factory. 
o Change state - allows an administrator password to be set, changed, or removed. 

Warning! If an administrator password is set, then forgotten, it cannot be overridden or removed.  The system board must be replaced in order to access the system programs. 

Subtopics:
o How the Administrator Password Works
o Setting an Administrator Password
o Forgotten Administrator Password

How the Administrator Password Works
   Use the administrator password when highly classified information must be protected.  Although it can be used with your power-on password, it provides a much higher level of security when used with an operating system that controls access through the use of passwords.  This type of operating system is called a secured or trusted computing base.

   You can use any combination of up to seven characters (A-Z, a-z, and 0-9) for your administrator password, just as you can with your power-on password.  For additional security, the two passwords should not be the same.

   One important difference between the power-on password and the administrator password is that a forgotten administrator password cannot be overridden or disabled.  The single most important reason for setting an administrator password is that when one is set, only those who know the password can access the system programs and modify the hardware or change any of the settings.

   If you type the wrong password, Incorrect password appears and Enter the privileged-access password is again displayed.  After three incorrect attempts, The system is locked message is displayed and you must turn off the server and start again. 

Setting an Administrator Password
   In order to set an administrator password, you must first set your selectable drive-startup sequence.  (If you try to set this password and the drive sequence is not set, an error code and text message with instructions appear.)  You can select the default drive-startup sequence, which includes a diskette drive.  To have a totally secure system, you can remove the diskette drive from the drive-startup sequence. 

Forgotten Administrator Password
  If an administrator password is set, then forgotten, it cannot be overridden or removed.  If you forget your administrator password, you must replace the system board to gain access to the system programs. 

Keyboard Password
   A keyboard password allows you to lock the keyboard while the system is turned on.  This is useful if you leave your system on and unattended.  With the keyboard locked, no one can use or restart your system.

   The way you set the keyboard password depends on the operating system you are using.  The OS/2 operating system provides keyboard-password protection as a standard feature.

   If you forget your keyboard password, turn off the server for at least 5 seconds; then turn it on.  The keyboard password is erased from memory when you turn off the server. 

Selectable Drive Startup
   Selectable drive startup (sometimes referred to as selectable boot) allows you to control the startup sequence of the drives in your server.  Each time you turn on the server, it checks the drives as it looks for the operating system.  The order in which the system checks the drives is the drive-startup sequence.

   In most cases, you do not need to change the default drive-startup sequence.  However, if you set an administrator password, or are working with multiple hard disk drives, multiple operating systems, or different sized diskette drives, you might want to change the default drive-startup sequence.

   The default drive-startup sequence checks the primary diskette drive for a self-starting (bootable) diskette.  If one is present, the operating system or program is loaded from the diskette.  If not, the system checks the primary hard disk for an operating system. If one is present, it is loaded from that hard disk.

   If you start the system from a diskette, the drive containing the diskette becomes drive A, regardless of the defined sequence, and the first hard disk selected in the startup sequence becomes drive C.  You can choose a startup sequence of up to four drives.

   You can customize the startup sequence by changing the order in which the system checks the drives.  You decide which four drives are the first to be checked, and the order in which the system checks them. 

Notes:
 1. If a Reference Diskette is present in a diskette drive that is not in the selectable boot sequence, POST will boot that diskette only if you press F1 or (Alt+Ctrl+Ins) at the server startup.

 2. When you change the startup sequence, the drive letters also might change.  The operating system assigns the drive letters when the system starts.  Letters A and B always are assigned to diskette drives.  Subsequent drive letters can be assigned to any type of drive based on the operating system or the device drivers used.

Warning! If you changed your startup sequence, you must be extremely careful when doing write operations (for example, copying, saving, or formatting).  You can accidentally overwrite data or programs if you select the wrong drive. 

Secure IPL Source
   The Server 95 allows the system owner or administrator to control the IPL source by specifying the startup sequence (see Selectable Startup Sequence). With the privileged-access password active, the system owner can control the IPL source by excluding the diskette drives from the startup sequence; the password prevents anyone from modifying the source and sequence.

   The setup routine ensures that at least one source is specified if the privileged-access password is used.

   Earlier PS/2 models could also specify the startup sequence; however, the sequence was stored in CMOS and could be erased.  In these systems, the sequence is stored in nonvolatile memory and cannot be deactivated by removing a battery. 
 

Securing Data from Loss
   There are several methods you can use to prevent the loss of data.  You should consider these methods carefully, because some of them affect the performance, reliability, and hardware requirements of the server.

   There are primarily three ways that you can protect your data from loss.  You can wait until the data accumulates on the server, and then make backup copies of all the hard disks.  You can configure a disk array to duplicate data (create a redundant copy) as it is entered, and then store the duplicate copy on a separate hard disk.  Or, you can configure a disk array to store the parity information about the data on the array as the data is being entered. 

Subtopics:
o Backup Copies
o Redundant Copies
o Parity Information
o Viruses
o Erased Files
o Backup Power Supply

Backup Copies
   A good method for preventing the loss of data is to make copies of the data.  In the event of a hardware failure you can always recover using the copies.

   Backing up the entire contents of a hard disk to diskettes can be very time-consuming and, in the case of a network server that has multiple hard disks, might require hundreds of diskettes.  A faster and more efficient way to back up the data is to use a tape-backup drive.  Using a tape-backup drive, you can copy several billion bytes of data from the hard disks to a single tape.

   There are two problems with making backup copies.  The first problem is someone has to remember to do it.  The second problem is that you usually need to disconnect the server from the network to make the backup copies. 

Redundant Copies
   A convenient way to copy the contents of a hard disk is to duplicate all data as it is being entered.  This duplicate copy is then stored on another hard disk.  If one hard disk fails, you still have access to the data on the other.  This method is more expensive than backing up to diskettes or tapes, because it doubles the amount of disk-storage space needed. 

Parity Information
   Storing parity information about the data as the data is being entered is an efficient, cost effective, and reliable method commonly used to guard against the loss of data.  In the event of a hard disk failure, the parity information and the data on the remaining functional disks are used to reconstruct the data that was stored on the failed drive. 

Viruses
   Computer viruses are a problem that exists within the personal computer community.  A computer virus is a program (or instructions hidden within a program) that infects other programs by modifying them without your knowledge.  Like any other program, the virus can do anything it is programmed to do.  Some viruses are practical jokes, causing unusual or erratic screen behavior.  Others are destructive, erasing or damaging files or overloading memory and communication networks.

   Viruses are difficult to detect.  Many stay inactive until triggered by a specified event such as a date, command, or some other operation.  Others are activated when an infected program is started a specified number of times.  When the symptoms of thevirus appear, it might be difficult to determine if the problem is a hardware failure, a problem in the software, or a virus in action.

   Several programs are available that can detect the presence of many known viruses.  These programs typically examine files and look for patterns associated with these viruses, or look for changes in the size of files.  These programs are best used as a preventive measure to detect a virus before it becomes widespread or causes damage.  Many computer users check for viruses on a regular basis.

   When a virus is found, it must be removed.  This might be as simple as replacing a file, or it might require the assistance of a trained technician.

   Viruses are generally spread unknowingly from computer to computer when programs are exchanged or shared.  If you don't know where a program came from, be careful.  Most reputable program distributors and bulletin-board owners scan their files to guard against viruses and maintain records to identify program owners. 

Here are a few tips to help guard against computer viruses:
o Write protect original program diskettes before using them.  This ensures the diskettes will not be infected if a virus is already present in your system. 
o Avoid using programs and diskettes from unknown sources. 
o If you use programs provided from public-domain software distributors or BBSs, find out what precautions they take to guard against viruses. 
o Back up all critical data and programs regularly. 
o Watch out for changes in file sizes (when they shouldn't change). 
o Use password protection to limit access to your system or network. 

   Remember, not every problem is caused by a virus.  If your system starts acting erratically, refer to your troubleshooting charts in the User's Handbook to test the system. 

Erased Files
   Erasing a file from a diskette or hard disk does not destroy the file.  With the right type of software, all or part of an erased file can be reclaimed.  This can cause a security risk if you sell a system or give someone a diskette that once contained classified or confidential information.

   One way to help ensure that no readable information is left on a hard disk is to do a low-level format.  An operating-system format operation does not remove all information from a hard disk.

   The operating-system format operation works a little differently with diskettes.  It writes a repeated pattern over the entire surface.  Any information that was on the diskette becomes unreadable.

   Depending on the type of information stored, you might require additional safeguards. 

Backup Power Supply
   To prevent the loss of data caused by a power fluctuation, you might want to consider installing a backup power supply.  There are two basic types of commercially available backup power supplies:  uninterruptible and standby. 

Subtopics:
o Uninterruptible Power Supplies
o Standby Power Supplies

Uninterruptible Power Supplies
   This type of power supply works as an interface between the main power source and the server, and it automatically takes over when the main power source is lost.  An uninterruptible power supply connects directly to the main power source (electrical outlet), and then the server connects to the power supply.  The power supply transfers the power from the main power source to its internal battery; then its internal battery provides the power to the server.  The advantages of uninterruptible power supplies are that they require no switching time (because they are always on), and they protect the server from power surges.  A disadvantage is that they usually cost more than standby power supplies. 

Personal Experience!
   The 9595 power supply DEMANDS sine wave voltage! Your UPS MUST supply TRUE sine wave voltage or you WILL experience random shut downs, then power-ups of your 9595s power supply. Really sucks when you're on-line and your machine shuts down. The UPS will not go into back-up when this happens. It's not the UPSs fault. 

Standby Power Supplies
   This type of power supply waits until it detects a drop in voltage, and then it switches on and provides power to the server until its battery power is depleted.  An advantage of a standby power supply is low cost.  It is usually less expensive than an uninterruptible power supply.  A disadvantage of a standby power supply is the amount of time that it needs to switch itself on; the more time it takes, the greater the chance of losing data. 

Content created and/or collected by:
Louis F. Ohland, Peter H. Wendt, David L. Beem, William R. Walsh, Tatsuo Sunagawa, Tomáš Slavotínek, Jim Shorney, Tim N. Clarke, Kevin Bowling, and many others.

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