Data Set Security

When you invoke the IMOD editor, it builds a list of available ISETs using the CAW0OPTN(ISETS) member. An asterisk (*) in front of the description indicates that the ISET is read only. You can override the access type when you select an ISET.

Many installations secure data sets with RACF or other security software. When you try to update an IMOD, the IMOD editor tries to access an ISET in VSAM update mode. If this fails due to security restrictions, the editor tries again in VSAM read-only mode. If this also fails, you are notified and the ISET is not accessed.

In read-only mode, only some of the editor functions are available. Functions that physically alter data in the ISET are not permitted.

Important! When you are editing an IMOD in read-only mode, you receive a cautionary message as you start to edit the IMOD. However, you cannot save the IMOD that you have edited. To save changes you have made to the IMOD, use the ISPF CREATE or REPLACE command to save the IMOD temporarily in a sequential data set. When you have update access to the ISET, you can re‑edit the IMOD and can copy the data back from the sequential file.