Paul Renda & Nick Benigno - Time to Revist Debate between X86 Wintel and IBM zOS Mainframe Platform

It is time to revisit the security debate between the X 86/Wintel and the IBM z/OS mainframe platform; the reason is that the Z/14(IBM Z/OS) will entail pervasive encryption. The pervasive encryption of the 14 Z/OS mainframe is a significant paradigm shift in information processing. The IBM platform will be able to encrypt all data by default. This new property is also one of the least know accomplishments in cyber information security today. I will review the historical relationship between x86 Wintel and Z/OS security; explain classifications from the DOD orange book, and the Evaluation Assurance Levels (EAL)... Including the debate between the cost differential between two platforms. This talk can fill in some critical security information that is not covered by current security certifications. I will also go over the differences between discretion access control and mandatory access controls. Pervasive encryption how is this achieved? The properties of the new z/14 processor will be discussed, and how it’s physical and electrical properties will accomplish this goal.