New terminal emulator extends multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and other authentication best practices to support mainframe security and compliance with emerging regulations
Rocket Software, a global leader in modernization software, today announced the launch of Rocket® Secure Host Access—a security-focused terminal emulator designed to integrate green screen access with existing identity and access management (IAM) solutions. This new offering provides robust protection against threats such as fake workers and phishing attacks, while helping organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements through multi-layered security features like multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and other advanced security practices.
Rocket Secure Host Access enables organizations to protect their most critical systems while minimizing the risks posed by cyber threats. With phishing-resistant, password-less access to host applications across both desktop and web platforms, businesses can strengthen their IT security posture. This solution also aids in compliance with important regulations, including:
- Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
- 23 NYCRR Part 500 regulation
- U.S. federal MFA mandate
Rising Security Demands in the Face of Evolving Threats
As technology advances, compliance regulations across industries are tightening to address the growing vulnerabilities that accompany these changes. Failure to meet these emerging regulations can cost organizations an average of $14.82 million, underscoring the importance of compliance. However, non-compliance isn’t the only risk—vulnerable IT systems can result in significant financial losses and harm to an organization’s reputation. In fact, the global average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88M, a 10% increase from the previous year.
“Regulatory requirements are becoming more stringent and costly, while the complexity of cyber threats continues to grow, necessitating stronger protections,” said Puneet Kohli, President of Application Modernization at Rocket Software. “Rocket Secure Host Access delivers centrally managed, high-availability access to host applications, deployable in both cloud and on-premises environments. It enables organizations to safeguard their applications while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, all with minimal additional effort. By securing mainframe data each time users log into their host application—sometimes thousands of times a day—organizations can meet compliance goals and enhance their overall security posture.”
Key Benefits of Rocket Secure Host Access:
- Simplified Security Integration: Provides centrally managed, high-availability access to host applications across multiple systems, available through both desktop and zero-footprint web emulators.
- Cost-Effective Risk Mitigation: Reduces risks associated with non-compliance and cyberattacks by extending enterprise authentication best practices to host applications. It also eliminates the need for additional security vendors.
- Future-Ready IT Security: Offers a scalable and forward-looking security strategy. As a security-first partner, Rocket Software is dedicated to helping enterprises secure their mainframe environments just as they do with the rest of their IT infrastructure. With a robust roadmap and a team focused on keeping up with the latest security practices, Rocket Secure Host Access provides tailored security solutions for each stage of an organization’s modernization journey.
“Organizations are under increasing pressure from cyberattacks and regulatory requirements to secure sensitive mainframe data,” said Chris Drake, Senior Research Director at IDC. “Green screen applications often rely on outdated authentication practices. Rocket Secure Host Access allows mainframe organizations to integrate green screen login authentication into their IAM systems and apply modern security best practices, like MFA and SSO, to terminal emulation.”
Rocket Secure Host Access will complement Rocket Software’s existing suite of Security and Compliance solutions, including Rocket® z/Assure® Vulnerability Analysis Program and Rocket® Data Recovery Manager, to further strengthen end-to-end mainframe modernization efforts. To learn more about Rocket Software’s complete Security and Compliance solutions, visit their website.
