Deactivation

Disarming

Enhanced Definition

Deactivation, often conceptually referred to as "disarming" in certain contexts, is the process of rendering a system component, resource, user, or function inactive, inoperable, or unavailable within the mainframe environment. Its primary purpose is to control access, manage resources, facilitate maintenance, or mitigate security risks by temporarily or permanently disabling specific entities.

Key Characteristics

- Reversibility: Most deactivation actions are reversible, allowing the entity to be reactivated when needed, though some may require an IPL or specific recovery procedures.
- Scope: Can apply broadly to various mainframe entities, including user IDs, security rules, system traces (e.g., GTF), CICS transactions, DB2 objects, IMS resources, and even hardware paths.
- Control Mechanisms: Achieved through various methods such as operator commands (VARY, STOP), security system commands (e.g., REVOKE, REMOVE in RACF), configuration updates, or specific application-level commands.
- Impact on System: Reduces resource consumption for unused components, prevents unauthorized or unintended operations, and isolates problematic elements without full system shutdown.
- Security Implications: A critical security measure to revoke access or disable compromised accounts and resources, thereby "disarming" potential threats.