Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


SysOp Service Provides Identity Management Self Service in Active Directory Environments

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 02/27/09

SysOp Tools is launching a new Web-based service that allows users to manage password changes. Password Reset Pro, which works on Windows domains, provides an identify management portal for Active Directory, allowing users to change or reset passwords and unlock accounts.

"As part of maintaining proper ... infrastructure security, most [organizations] enforce regular password changes on employee logon accounts," said Kurt Lewis, CEO. "The problem with this is employee users rarely know when their password will expire and unexpectedly lose access to resources--often at the most inconvenient times. The employee must then call the IT help desk to have their expired password changed or their locked out account unlocked."

The new service, which can be branded by the user organization, provides administrative auditing to track daily Web portal account activities for regulatory compliance needs. In regards to specific PCI compliance requirements, a reason must be entered by the user when unlocking his or her account via the portal, which is then sent to the administrator in real time and also captured in the daily log. The administrator can also see which domain users haven't enrolled in the portal, reset a user portal ID, and ban accounts from using the portal.

The self service Web portal can be deployed on a non-domain DMZ Web server (extranet), and connects to the internal service server (intranet) via an encrypted port. Port connectivity uses an RSA authentication handshake, and communication between Web portal server and internal service server is blowfish-encrypted. All components can be installed on a single server for use in smaller environments.

All sensitive user data resides in Active Directory only, and portal administration is managed through a separate internal secure application. No user account data or passwords are stored on the Web front end portal server, registry, or extra databases.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Abstract neural network 3D illustration

    Intel® AI EmpowerED: The AI-Ready Campus, Delivered

    Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education, prompting institutions to rethink how they manage infrastructure, security, governance, and workforce readiness. Successful adoption requires a strategic, institution-wide approach that aligns AI initiatives with educational goals, faculty enablement, and scalable operational frameworks.

  • Minimalist binary data fragmentation

    Fragmented Data Is Quietly Undermining Student Success and Cybersecurity Hygiene

    Siloed tools, teams, budgets, and resources spread across departments and campuses generate massive amounts of data. However, fragmentation creates unnecessary exposure to security threats and inadvertently reduces student support because no one can see the whole picture.

  • broken digital lock and glowing chain

    Cybersecurity Researchers: AI Has Crossed into the Live Attack Chain

    AI is moving beyond assisting cybercriminals and beginning to operate within live attacks, according to a new report from Check Point Research. The technology is making sophisticated capabilities faster and more accessible while creating new security risks for businesses deploying their own AI systems.

  • Abstract background with digital shield made of data particles glowing blue blocking against cyber attacks

    Report: AI Attacks Push Organizations Toward Autonomous Cybersecurity Defense

    Artificial intelligence is raising the stakes of cyber conflict as attackers use the technology to accelerate reconnaissance, uncover vulnerabilities, and launch attacks faster than many security teams can respond.