Specops Password Policy

Multiple password policies

A significant limitation with standard password functionality is that only a single complexity rule can be applied across the entire domain, affecting all user accounts in the same way independent of their security risk factor. Specops Password Policy overcomes this restriction by allowing you to specify multiple password policies based on rules you define. It is based on Group Policy technology, and can be configured in any number of group policies within the Active Directory.

Specops Password Policy offers numerous granular password complexity features to define the rules for a password policy. One example of this is the ability to define lists containing words restricted for use within passwords. It helps your organization to be password policy compliant.

Additional features assist administrators in resetting lost passwords. Examples of this include, bypassing a policy once upon reset, automatically unlocking accounts, and requiring the user to change their password at next logon. These features help lower the burden on administrators when resetting lost passwords.

The Windows password policy solution in action

Users attempting to change their passwords receive clear notification of the password rules that apply to them. This feature eliminates most unnecessary calls to the help desk related to understanding the Windows password policy rules and restrictions.

Using Specops Password Policy will strengthen your overall security and ensure your Windows network meets constantly changing password compliancy standards.

Features

  • Set any combination of password restrictions: lower case, upper case, digits, special characters
  • Disallow user names in passwords, disallow words from word lists, etc.
  • Minimum password length
  • Maximum password length
  • Extended password complexity
  • Password reset rules
  • Different password expiration rules, commonly called password age, on each policy
  • <11 languages supported in the end user password change dialog.
  • Graphical Password Complexity meter
  • Password History
  • Disallow consecutive characters in password
  • Disallow incremental passwords
  • Disable account lockout
  • Automatically send password expiration e-mail
  • Group Policy delegated security model
  • Supports automation through Windows PowerShell or .NET
  • Support for 64-bit Domain Controllers
  • Support for Windows 2008 Server
  • Support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)
  • Integration with Specops Password Reset
  • Additional password policy requirements; Regular expressions; Disallow backward words in wordlist; Disallow digit as last character
  • New password expiration warning e-mail settings; Configurable sender; Exclude password policy requirements
  • The administration tool contains a command-line utility (SPOBJMGR.EXE) that can be used to manage SPP sub-objects in Active Directory.

Technology

Password Filter Technology

Specops Password Policy employs password filter technology running on each domain controller which enforces the password complexity rules. Optionally, a client side component provides an enhanced end user reset message that assists in meeting the specific complexity rules defined by your organization.

Password Policy & Active Directory

Specops Password Policy snaps directly in to the GPMC console. The user interface is consistent, clear, intuitive and context sensitive help is always available. It will provide a more secure and compliant Windows environment without the need to re-design your network or learn new technologies.

Password Filter Configuration

When creating password policy rules, a number of additional requirements and/or restrictions can be defined, providing exactly the level of password complexity required for each part of your organization.

A well configured password complexity solution not only provides better overall security, it also allows your organization to easily meet password related compliancy requirements in a quick and cost effective manner.