Alert/CICS

Alert/CICS is a security product designed to protect CICS transactions, programs, files, and BMS maps. It secures CICS resources by intercepting EXEC calls and validating them against defined security rules. The system supports RACF, CA-ACF2, and CA-Top Secret for authentication, leveraging these external security managers for user validation and authorization.

Alert/CICS uses an Access Control List (ACL) model to manage access to CICS resources. Security rules define which users or groups have permission to access specific transactions, programs, files, or BMS maps. The architecture includes components for request interception, security rule evaluation, authentication, and audit logging.

These components communicate using standard CICS intercommunication facilities. The main configuration files define security rules, user permissions, and system parameters. Administration is performed through an online menu interface.

Integration is typically achieved through custom exits or interfaces. Alert/CICS provides detailed audit logging of security events, including access attempts, rule violations, and administrative changes. Competing products include CA-Top Secret for CICS and RACF CICS Security.

Alert/CICS offers a dedicated online menu interface for administration, providing a focused approach to CICS security management.