Microsoft has developed an excellent way to facilitate users who forget their passwords, which is quite common in the corporate world. This is where Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) comes into play. This feature of Microsoft 365 Identity and Services allows users to reset their accounts’ passwords without any administrator’s assistance.
The Basics of SSPR
SSPR in Microsoft 365 is a feature that adds additional security and effectiveness to the normal workflow of an organization. With SSPR, the users are asked to provide various pieces of information, like their phone number or email address, to verify their identities. This process eliminates the need for a human interaction for users to reset their passwords, thereby reducing the burden on IT admins.
Configuring SSPR
To configure SSPR, the administrator must access the Microsoft 365 admin center. Then, they have to go to Active users and select “Password reset.” Once there, the administrator can specify the type of users who will have access to the SSPR or select all. After this, the administrator can set the number of authentication methods that the user must provide. For example, they may choose to require both an alternate email address and a phone number.
One important setting in the SSPR is the Notification Setting. This allows an administrator to determine whether to notify all users that they can reset their passwords, or just those who got their passwords changed, or completely switch off the notifications.
Managing SSPR
Managing SSPR is also a responsibility of the administrator. They must make sure that users are re-registering their authentication information after a certain period of time. This ensures maximum security for the user account. The admins can force users to re-register after a specific number of days, or choose to never remind them, depending on the admin’s preferences or the company’s security policy.
Benefits of SSPR
SSPR allows businesses and organizations to maintain a high level of security and productivity without placing the burden on the IT department. The users are able to reset their passwords themselves, reducing the amount of time they spend unable to access their accounts. It also lowers the number of helpdesk calls related to forgotten passwords, which can save a lot of resources.
In an age where cybersecurity is of utmost importance, implementing and managing Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) in MS-100 Microsoft 365 Identity and Services is a step in the right direction. By facilitating users to reset their own password, you enhance your organization’s security as well as efficiency.
Coding for SSPR
While the SSPR does not require any direct coding from the end-user or the administrator, understanding the PowerShell commands to interact with SSPR can be beneficial.
For instance, the following command can be used to view password reset registration status:
Get-MsolUser -UserPrincipalName user@contoso.com | Select StrongAuthenticationUserDetails
Thus, the SSPR is an incredibly useful tool in the Microsoft 365 Identity and Services toolset, and any organization that does not implement it is missing out on both enhanced security and workflow efficiency.
Practice Test
True or False: Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) in Microsoft 365 is only available for global administrators.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: SSPR is available for all users and not restricted to global administrators only.
Multiple Select: Which three methods can users choose to reset their password in SSPR?
- A) Email
- B) Mobile Phone
- C) Secret Question
- D) Manager Approval
Answer: A, B, and C.
Explanation: Users can reset their password through their registered email, mobile phone, or answering their secret question. Manager approval is not a method for resetting a password.
True or False: Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) does not require any kind of multi-factor authentication.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: SSPR often works in conjunction with multi-factor authentication in order to verify the identity of the user and maintain security.
Single Select: Which of the following is not a part of the SSPR registration process?
- A) Specifying a secondary email
- B) Providing a mobile phone number
- C) Naming your first pet
- D) Setting a new password
Answer: D.
Explanation: Setting a new password is not a part of the SSPR registration process. The other options are used as security measures for verification during password reset.
True or False: SSPR supports all Microsoft 365 subscription plans.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Not all Microsoft 365 subscription plans include SSPR. For instance, the Office 365 Business plan does not support SSPR.
Multiple Select: What benefits does implementing SSPR provide?
- A) Reduces IT workload
- B) Gives users immediate access to accounts
- C) Increases cost associated with help desk
- D) Allows for internal security breaches
Answer: A and B.
Explanation: Implementing SSPR reduces the IT workload and gives users immediate access to their accounts. It does not increase cost or allow for internal security breaches.
Single Select: Where do the users go to set up their SSPR information?
- A) Azure portal
- B) Microsoft security portal
- C) Microsoft account settings
- D) Microsoft SSPR portal
Answer: A.
Explanation: Users typically set up their SSPR information in the Azure portal.
True or False: SSPR registration data is stored in a recoverable format by Microsoft.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: SSPR registration data is stored, but it is non-recoverable to ensure the privacy and security of user information.
Multiple Select: What Microsoft 365 services require SSPR registration?
- A) Office apps
- B) Outlook email
- C) SharePoint
- D) OneDrive
Answer: A, B, C, and D.
Explanation: Office apps, Outlook email, SharePoint, and OneDrive all require SSPR registration to help users recover access if they forget their password.
True or False: IT administrators can bypass the SSPR process by resetting the password on behalf of the user.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: IT administrators can reset the password on behalf of the user, but allowing users to securely reset their own passwords can reduce IT-related tasks.
Interview Questions
What is the self-service password reset (SSPR) in Microsoft 365?
Self-service password reset (SSPR) is a feature provided by Microsoft 365 that allows end-users to reset their passwords on their own without the need for administrator intervention. It helps reduce help desk calls and boosts productivity.
How can an admin enable SSPR for a specific group of users in Microsoft 365?
An admin can enable SSPR for a specific group of users by navigating to the Azure portal > Azure Active Directory > Password Reset > Properties. From the Self Service Password Reset Enabled option, one can select the ‘Selected’ option and then choose the group.
What are the methods of authentication that can be used for SSPR in Microsoft 365?
The methods of authentication that can be used for SSPR in Microsoft 365 include Email, Mobile App, Mobile App Code, Mobile Phone, Office Phone, and Security Questions.
How to ensure users are registered for SSPR in Microsoft 365?
Administrators can prompt users to register for SSPR when they sign in. This setting is found in the Azure portal > Azure Active Directory > Password Reset > Registration.
What are the two modes of SSPR in Microsoft 365?
The two modes of SSPR in Microsoft 365 are “Change” when users know their passwords and want to change them, and “Reset”, when users have forgotten their passwords and need to reset them.
What is the significance of the notification and verification options in SSPR settings?
The notification and verification options allow administrators to choose whether users should be notified via email when their passwords are changed or reset, and whether users who’ve registered for SSPR should be asked to verify their alternative security info.
Can SSPR be integrated with a Windows 10 login screen?
Yes, SSPR can be integrated with a Windows 10 login screen. This allows users to initiate a password reset directly from their login screen.
Is it possible to disable SSPR for a particular user in Microsoft 365?
Yes, it is done by the admin via Azure AD portal > Users > select user > Authentication Methods > Self-service password reset.
How can an organization monitor the effectiveness of SSPR in Microsoft 365?
The effectiveness of SSPR can be monitored through the SSPR Activity and Usage reports available in the Azure portal.
What is the minimum password age requirement in SSPR?
The minimum password age requirement is 1 day. This is to prevent users from cycling through their password history to keep using the same password.
What happens if a user forgets the answers to their security questions in SSPR?
If a user forgets the answers to their security questions, they need to wait for the lockout duration set up by the admin before they can try again.
How many authentication methods must a user set up for SSPR?
The admin can choose between requiring 1 or 2 methods for authentication during SSPR.
What happens to SSPR when a user’s account is locked out in Microsoft 365?
If a user’s account is locked out, they can still use SSPR to unlock their account themselves, unless the admin disabled SSPR.
Can every user in a tenant use SSPR?
Yes, all users in a tenant can use SSPR, as long as they are licensed for Azure AD premium and are set up for SSPR — but it depends on whether the SSPR was enabled by an admin for all users or only selected users/groups.
Is it possible to customize the SSPR experience?
Yes, SSPR can be customized based on the branding settings in Azure AD.
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