Is Your z/OS Environment Still Using FTP? It’s Time for a Security Upgrade

If you’re running FTP on z/OS in 2025, you are facing a growing security and compliance problem. We know, FTP has been a reliable tool for decades. It’s simple, it works, and everyone knows how to use it. But that convenience comes with serious risks that can no longer be ignored.

The FTP Security Problem

FTP transmits everything in plaing text, passwords, usernames, and your data. Anyone with network access can see it all. No encryption. No data integrity checks. No security.

For z/OS shops handling regulated data, this creates immediate compliance issues:

• PCI DSS requires encryption for cardholder data
• HIPAA mandates protection for health information in transit
• SOX demands data integrity controls

Recent research shows 83% of organizations reported insider threats in 2024. Even your internal network is not as safe as you think.

Why Migration Seems So Hard

We’ve talked to hundreds of z/OS teams, and we hear the same concerns:

“FTP is embedded in thousands of our batch jobs.”

“We don’t even know where all our FTP transfers are.”

“Rewriting all that JCL would take years.”

“We can’t afford to disrupt our batch windows.”

These are legitimate concerns. Traditional migration approaches are disruptive, time-consuming, and risky.

There’s a Better Way

Modern migration technology has changed the game. Using a SOCKS proxy architecture on z/OS, you can:

• Migrate without rewriting JCL – Transparent FTP-to-SFTP conversion means batch jobs continue using FTP syntax while actual transmissions are encrypted
• Move at your own pace – Migrate specific jobs, users, or partners incrementally rather than all-or-nothing cutover
• Leverage existing OpenSSH – Use the encryption software already included with z/OS
• Gain complete visibility – Know exactly what FTP transfers are running before you start

Our customers report 60-70% faster migration timelines compared to traditional JCL rewrite approaches.

Get the Full Technical Details

We’ve created a comprehensive whitepaper that covers:

✓ Complete breakdown of FTP security vulnerabilities
✓ Compliance requirements by regulation (PCI, HIPAA, SOX)
✓ Step-by-step migration methodology
✓ Best practices from successful migrations
✓ How VFTP and VST make migration easier

Download the whitepaper: “Securing z/OS File Transfers – Migrating from FTP to SFTP”

Ready to Start Your Migration?

Don’t wait for an audit finding or security incident to force your hand. The technology exists today to make FTP migration manageable and non-disruptive.

Request a consultation with our z/OS security specialists to discuss your specific environment and migration timeline.

Every day you delay increases your exposure. Start securing your file transfers today.