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COBOL Tutorial

COBOL SECURE Clause - Quick Reference

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Overview

The SECURE clause is used to implement data security measures in COBOL programs. It provides protection for sensitive data and controls access to confidential information.

Purpose and Usage

  • Data protection - Protect sensitive data from unauthorized access
  • Access control - Implement security-based access controls
  • Confidentiality - Ensure data confidentiality
  • Security compliance - Meet security requirements
  • Data integrity - Maintain data integrity and security

Syntax

The SECURE clause provides security protection for data items.

Basic Syntax

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* Basic SECURE syntax
01  data-name PIC X(n) SECURE.
 
* Complete example
IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. SECURE-EXAMPLE.
 
DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01  USER-CREDENTIALS.
    05  USER-ID        PIC X(10).
    05  PASSWORD       PIC X(20) SECURE.
    05  ACCESS-LEVEL   PIC X(1).
 
01  PERSONAL-DATA.
    05  SSN            PIC X(11) SECURE.
    05  CREDIT-CARD    PIC X(16) SECURE.
    05  ADDRESS        PIC X(50).
 
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
MAIN-LOGIC.
    * Process secure data
    PERFORM PROCESS-SECURE-DATA
    STOP RUN.
 
PROCESS-SECURE-DATA.
    * Handle secure data processing
    DISPLAY "Processing secure data".

SECURE provides built-in data protection.

Practical Examples

Examples of using the SECURE clause in different security scenarios.

Authentication System

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* Authentication with SECURE
DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01  AUTH-DATA.
    05  USER-NAME      PIC X(20).
    05  USER-PASSWORD  PIC X(30) SECURE.
    05  SESSION-TOKEN  PIC X(40) SECURE.
 
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
AUTHENTICATE-USER.
    * Handle secure authentication
    DISPLAY "Processing authentication"
    * Secure data handling logic here.

SECURE protects authentication credentials.

Best Practices

Understanding best practices ensures effective use of the SECURE clause.

Best Practices

  • Identify sensitive data - Apply SECURE to all sensitive information
  • Follow security policies - Implement consistent security measures
  • Document security measures - Clearly document SECURE usage
  • Test security features - Verify SECURE behavior
  • Monitor access - Track access to secure data

Test Your Knowledge

1. What is the primary purpose of the SECURE clause in COBOL?

  • To encrypt data
  • To protect sensitive data from unauthorized access
  • To compress data
  • To validate data

2. In which COBOL division is the SECURE clause typically used?

  • IDENTIFICATION DIVISION
  • ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
  • DATA DIVISION
  • PROCEDURE DIVISION

3. What type of data is typically protected with SECURE?

  • All data
  • Only numeric data
  • Sensitive data like passwords and personal information
  • Only file data

4. Can SECURE be used with all data types?

  • Yes, with all data types
  • No, only with specific data types
  • Only with numeric data
  • Only with alphanumeric data

5. What is the relationship between SECURE and data access?

  • SECURE prevents all access
  • SECURE controls access based on security rules
  • SECURE has no effect on access
  • SECURE only affects file access

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Concepts

Data Security

Data security techniques in COBOL.

Access Control

Implementing access controls in COBOL.

Data Protection

Protecting sensitive data in COBOL.

SECTION StatementSEGMENT-LIMIT Clause