When Record Password is enabled

When Record Password is enabled (this is the default setting) and the end user types characters into a 3270 or 5250 non-display input field during macro recording, Z and I Emulator for Web records the input key sequence as an Input action and encrypts the input key sequence in the Input action using the Password option of the Input action.

For example, suppose that Record Password is enabled, that you are recording a macro, and that you type a logon password (such as "MyPassword") into a 3270 or 5250 non-display input field. Z and I Emulator for Web creates an Input action, encrypts the logon password, stores the encrypted password into the Input action, and writes the Input action into the macro script being recorded.

Encrypting the input key sequence in the Input action provides a degree of security, because a casual unauthorized person cannot discover the input key sequence by editing or viewing the recorded macro script. Z and I Emulator for Web does not decrypt an encrypted input key sequence in an Input action until Z and I Emulator for Web processes the Input action during macro playback. However, a clever foe who gains access to the macro script can still discover the input key sequence by editing the Input action to direct the input key sequence into a normal displayable field during macro playback (see Password).

The advantage of having the input key sequence recorded in an Input action is that during macro playback the macro runs automatically without the user having to intervene. However, if a required input sequence changes (for example, if a password expires and a different password must be used) then the Input action must be updated with the new input key sequence.