Data can be protected either indirectly, by preventing access to programs that can be used to modify data, or directly, by preventing access to the data itself. Catalogs and cataloged data sets can be protected in both ways.

To protect your catalogs and cataloged data, use the authorized program facility (APF) and the Resource Access Control Facility (RACF®). Catalog passwords and USVRs are no longer used.

Because of its special use, you cannot export, or import a VVDS, nor can you alter its attributes by using the ALTER command.