For decades, IBM’s AS400 platform—now known as IBM i—has been the backbone of critical business operations across banking, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Its legendary stability and robust architecture have earned it a reputation for being virtually “unbreakable.” But in today’s cybersecurity landscape, that reputation may be as much a liability as it is an asset.
Many business leaders assume that legacy systems like the AS400 are immune to modern threats. The truth is more complicated—and far riskier. As integration, remote access, and cloud connectivity expand, so too do the potential attack surfaces of even the most trusted platforms.
In 2025, as400 penetration testing is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic necessity.
Out of sight, but not out of danger
The AS400 was originally designed for isolated, on-premise environments. Its object-based operating system, menu-driven interface, and internal security model were more than adequate in the 1990s. Fast-forward to today: that same system now communicates with APIs, connects to external networks, and is often managed remotely by dispersed teams or third-party vendors.
Unfortunately, its reputation for “security by obscurity” often means it is excluded from security audits, risk assessments, and even patch cycles.
This blind spot is exactly what attackers look for.
Why legacy systems are becoming prime targets
Modern threat actors, including ransomware groups and nation-state hackers, are not focused solely on the newest technologies. They are opportunists, scanning for weak links—especially older systems that haven’t evolved to match today’s security standards.
Here’s what makes legacy systems attractive:
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Infrequent patching: Updates are often delayed or skipped due to fear of breaking critical applications.
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Poor credential hygiene: Default or shared admin accounts may still exist.
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Limited logging and monitoring: Unusual behavior often goes unnoticed.
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Understaffed expertise: Few professionals have deep knowledge of AS400 security.
While these systems may appear to operate in the background, they often process or store high-value data—customer records, transaction logs, supply chain information, or intellectual property. If compromised, the business impact is immediate and severe.
What does AS400 penetration testing reveal?
Professional AS400 penetration testing goes beyond simple vulnerability scanning. It evaluates the system from an attacker’s perspective, identifying how it could be exploited and what the consequences would be.
Key areas of focus include:
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Access control evaluation: Are user profiles overly privileged? Are default credentials active?
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Authority misconfigurations: Are public or group authorities exposing critical objects?
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Network exposure: Are Telnet, FTP, or remote command ports unnecessarily open?
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System integration risks: Are APIs or external apps introducing vulnerabilities?
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Data exposure scenarios: Could sensitive records be accessed, modified, or exfiltrated?
The test results are not only technical—they are strategic. They provide clear insight into business risk, regulatory exposure, and operational resilience.
Business implications: from compliance to continuity
Failing to test your AS400 can have far-reaching consequences:
1. Regulatory risk
Many frameworks (e.g., PCI DSS, ISO/IEC 27001, SOX) now require regular testing of all systems that process or store sensitive data—legacy platforms included. A compromised AS400 may lead to audit failures, legal exposure, or costly remediation mandates.
2. Operational downtime
AS400 systems often run logistics, billing, or inventory platforms. A breach or system lockout can paralyze daily operations, halt transactions, and damage partner trust.
3. Reputation damage
Few things damage a company’s brand faster than a public breach—especially one involving a decades-old system many assumed was “safe.” Customers, partners, and investors will question the organization’s risk awareness and leadership.
Investment vs. impact: the ROI of prevention
Some executives hesitate to test AS400 systems out of concern for cost, complexity, or system stability. But the cost of not testing can be exponentially higher.
A single data breach or ransomware incident could:
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Disrupt global supply chains
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Trigger millions in fines and legal fees
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Lead to customer attrition or shareholder lawsuits
By contrast, engaging a qualified partner to perform focused AS400 penetration testing is a low-risk, high-reward investment. It strengthens your audit posture, informs strategic decisions, and demonstrates proactive governance.
Partnering with the right experts
Not every penetration tester understands AS400. Its architecture, command structure, and security model are unique. Generic testing methods are ineffective—and potentially disruptive.
At www.superiorpentest.com, seasoned professionals with IBM i specialization offer tailored testing that is:
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Non-disruptive to operations
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Fully aligned with your business context
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Backed by technical and strategic reporting
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Designed to support remediation with clear priorities
Their team bridges the gap between legacy infrastructure and modern security expectations, ensuring your most vital systems are protected—without compromise.
Time to bring legacy into the future
In cybersecurity, your risk is not defined by how new or old a system is—it’s defined by how well it’s protected. Business leaders who continue to treat AS400 platforms as “out of scope” are not avoiding risk—they are accumulating it.
AS400 penetration testing is no longer a technical checkbox. It’s a strategic move toward operational continuity, stakeholder confidence, and long-term resilience.
Your legacy systems may be invisible to your modern dashboards—but they’re not invisible to attackers. It’s time to look deeper.