Green Screens Are Under Attack. Fortify Your Mainframe Security.

By Rocket Software

2 min. read

Your Terminal Emulator Could Be Your Weakest Link

Cyberattacks are surging, with AI-powered fraud, insider threats, and stolen credentials making green screen access a prime target. Yet, many organizations still rely on outdated terminal emulators—leaving the door wide open to cybercriminals.

If you still rely on basic passwords to enable access to terminal emulators, it could be the weakest link in your IT security.
It’s time for a modern, password-free approach that protects without disrupting operations.

 

How vulnerable are you?

Vulnerability statistics
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The 3 Biggest Security Threats to Your Mainframe

Security risks aren’t just about external hackers—new threats are emerging from AI, fake employees, and evolving regulations.

 

1. Insider threats and fake workers


Fraudulent employees and stolen credentials slip through the cracks, leading to security breaches. Lost, shared, or compromised credentials make it easier for attackers to infiltrate systems.

 

2. AI-powered attacks, ChatGPT, and automation


AI is supercharging credential theft and social engineering attacks. Cybercriminals use bots to mimic employees, bypass security, and infiltrate mainframes at alarming speed.

 

3. Compliance creep


Regulations like DORA, PCI DSS, and NYCRR Part 500 are tightening security requirements for mainframes. Organizations that fail to meet new standards face fines, breaches, and reputation damage.

Ghost employees may pop up on company payrolls, created by internal fraudsters who have the access and ability to falsify payroll and other records, generating paychecks that they then cash.

Read the full study

5 Best Practices to Strengthen Mainframe Security

You don’t need a complete overhaul—just the right strategies. Here’s how leading enterprises are closing security gaps:

  1.  Recognize green screens as high-risk – Protect them like any other critical asset.
  2.  Integrate IAM and MFA – Leverage modern authentication to eliminate weak passwords.
  3.  Use behavioral monitoring – Detect and block suspicious login activity.
  4.  Establish a clear audit trail – Track every login, action, and access request.
  5.  Choose security-first vendors – Ensure your terminal emulator meets modern security standards.

Unlike other solutions, Secure Host Access extends your enterprise identity and access management (IAM) best practices to secure host system connectivity.

And, for an added layer of defense in depth in your Zero Trust architecture, Secure Host Access fully integrates with IBM Z® MFA to enable complete multi-factor authentication on the host access as well as the host system itself.

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