March 31, 2025
Assure Security 7.0.28.00–Service Pack Notification
Precisely announces the release of Assure Security enhancements, designed to make your user experience more intuitive, strengthen your data security, and enable your product adaptability. To implement these improvements, you will need to install Assure Security Service Pack 7.0.28.00. This release provides either a new installation or an upgrade from all previous release levels of Assure Security 7.0 and 6.0.
IBM i V7R3 Support Withdrawal and Upgrade Considerations
IBM has officially withdrawn support for the IBM i 7.3 operating system, as indicated on its Release life cycle page. In alignment with this change, Precisely's release will include a safeguard during the upgrade process. Specifically, if the system detects that it is running on IBM i 7.3, the upgrade will be paused to prevent potential compatibility issues.
Summary of Enhancements
Assure MFA Integration with TOTP Authenticator Solutions
Precisely is pleased to announce a significant enhancement to Assure Security MFA: integration with Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) authenticator solutions for Assure Security Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), managed through the new and improved modern Web UI. Administrators now have the option to use TOTP directly, alongside the existing TOTP integration via RADIUS servers.
This update empowers security administrators to bolster IBM i account protection by enabling native TOTP as part of their MFA strategy. Users will now be prompted to enter a one-time password during login, adding an extra layer of security to their authentication process and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
The integration directly addresses PCI DSS 8.4 requirements, ensuring compliance and helping organizations meet regulatory standards.
By adopting this enhancement, organizations can extend their native TOTP solutions to IBM i logins, ensuring that all login attempts are challenged by robust authenticator tools used across the enterprise. The solution will support any current mobile app that supports this standard, such as Google Authenticator, Okta Verify, or Microsoft Authenticator.
Assure SAM Integration with IBM's new QIBM_QSY_AUTH Additional Authentication Exit Point
Precisely is excited to announce a new security enhancement for Assure Security SAM and Assure MFA: Support for IBM's V7R6 Additional Authentication Exit Point. This feature enables security administrators to further strengthen their organization's defenses against unauthorized access, helping ensure robust protection of sensitive data.
This OS feature enables Assure Security MFA to monitor authentication across all applications, unlike previous versions that only supported logons to individual servers and excluded web or open-source apps.
We encourage customers to upgrade to the latest Assure Security release to take advantage of these advanced MFA capabilities and maintain strong compliance and security standards.
While IBM's new MFA solution provides some benefits, it has limitations that our solution addresses effectively. Precisely's advantages are:
- Supports multiple authentication methods alongside TOTP, offering enhanced flexibility.
- Enables centralized management to streamline administrative processes and reduce operational complexity.
- Integrates seamlessly with leading Identity and Access Management (IAM) platforms such as Okta, DUO, and others, increasing user convenience and adaptability.
- Facilitates incremental implementation strategies, allowing for phased deployment to improve productivity and enable thorough validation.
- Delivers advanced ransomware protection, elevating MFA security and supporting robust Zero Trust initiatives.
- Provides flexible control options by permitting definition of access controls at both the individual user and group levels.
- Offers compatibility with older operating system versions, ensuring continued support for customers utilizing legacy systems.
For additional details on implementing these features and maximizing your security capabilities, please refer to the updated Assure Security documentation available in the Precisely Help Center.
Deprecation of OpenSSL
Assure Security Encryption and Secure File Transfer clients need to be aware that a future service pack will disable the ability to utilize OpenSSL. Although the use of this library is not embedded in our product solutions, clients may be utilizing this in custom development. If you are unsure of your usage, we recommend contacting your system administrator or IT support team for assistance. Additionally, refer to the updated Assure Security documentation available in the Precisely Help Center.
Got feedback?
We're always looking to improve our products based on real customer needs, and your feedback plays a direct role in shaping our roadmap. If you'd be open to it, our Product team would like you to reach out at Assure.Product.Team@precisely.com for a short, focused conversation to gather insights, validate ideas, or discuss potential enhancements. Participation is completely optional, and there's no obligation-your input simply helps guide future improvements.
Access to Software Downloads
Precisely Data Experience
Precisely Data Experience allows customers to access their licensed products for download. To access the software, you must have a Precisely (Customer or Partner) Community account established and have license entitlement. To download the software: Use the Precisely Data Experience link.
If you are licensed to Assure Security and do not see that product in the list, please contact Precisely Support by opening a case at https://support.precisely.com/contact/
Improved access to Assure Security Documentation
Assure Security product documentation is available in a new online format in the Precisely Help Center.
The Precisely Help Center provides a modern experience to help you quickly locate content, personalize your experience, and provide feedback. The Help Center enables you to:
- Search for help across the entire documentation set
- Bookmark topics and create a personalized content library
- Save your searches and get alerts when content is added or changed
- Print selected topics
- Share a link with a colleague
- Send us your feedback and rate content
To access the Precisely Help Center:
- Go to the Precisely Help Center (https://help.precisely.com)
- Click on Assure Security
- Log in using your Precisely Support login (if you don't have a login, create one in the Customer or Partner community).
- Filter, click, or enter search terms to begin.
Minimum Requirements
Products:
- Assure Security 6.0 or higher to upgrade
IBM i OS Levels supported:
Tested browsers for the Assure Security Web User Interface:
- Current versions of Google® Chrome™, Firefox® Stable Channel and Microsoft® EdgeTM
Supported Windows OS for the Installation Wizard:
- Windows® 10, Windows® Server 2016, Windows® Server 2012 R2, Windows® Server 2019
Contact Information
If you would like technical assistance, please contact the Precisely Global Support team at Precisely Support.