Self-service password reset (SSPR) provides users with the ability to change or reset their passwords without needing the assistance of an IT administrator. This becomes particularly important when users forget their passwords or if their accounts get locked out. This process of delegating control to the user not only reduces the load on the IT department but also increases the productivity of the user who does not have to wait for the IT department to respond. In this article, we’ll discuss how to configure and deploy SSPR in the context of the SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam.
To provide an overview, Microsoft’s Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) offers self-service password reset for employees. This password reset process further enforces authentication by using a service called Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication.
Configuring Self-Service Password Reset
You need to follow these steps for configuring SSPR:
1. Navigate to Azure Active Directory:
According to Microsoft documentation, initially, you must sign in to the Azure portal as a user who is assigned a limited administrator directory role, such as User administrator or Global administrator.
2. Configure the Password Reset Policy:
In Azure AD, go to Password Reset, available under the Manage section. Here, we need to establish who will be able to use SSPR. We have the following options:
- “None”: No one can use SSPR.
- “Selected”: Only a selected group can use SSPR.
- “All”: All users can use SSPR.
After opting for your preferred choice, save the configurations.
3. Define Authentication Methods:
Next, define the methods that you want users to use when resetting their password. This is under ‘Authentication methods’. It can be any combination of Email, Mobile app code, Mobile app notification, Office phone, or Security questions.
4. Configure the Number of Methods Required
You need to configure the number of methods required to reset a password. It is advisable to set two or more methods to ensure a higher level of security.
5. Registration and Notifications
You can choose to ask users to register when signing in, or not. You can also configure how many days before users are asked to re-confirm their authentication information.
6. Customization
Finally, Azure provides the option for customization where you can define helpdesk email links and provide custom instructions to users.
Deploying Self-Service Password Reset
Once you’ve configured SSPR, it’s time to educate your user base on using the self-service password reset tool. Microsoft provides some user guides and training materials that can be shared with users. Instruct them to log into https://aka.ms/ssprsetup and walk them through the steps to register for SSPR including setting up an authentication phone or non-work email. Also, inform users about the need to update their authentication methods regularly, at least once every six months.
Remember, configuring Azure Active Directory SSPR is an essential step toward ensuring that users have access to their accounts at all times, reducing the administrative burden and increasing organizational productivity.
The SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam requires a deep understanding of these aspects of SSPR, as it forms one of the critical components of managing identities in Azure Active Directory. As you prepare for this certification, ensure you have a hands-on experience about SSPR configuration and deployment, and comprehend how it integrates within an overall identity management strategy.
Practice Test
True or False: The Azure AD self-service password reset feature can be enabled for all types of Azure AD accounts.
• True
• False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Self-service password reset in Azure AD can be enabled for all types of accounts including cloud user accounts, synchronized accounts, and federated user accounts.
Which of the following are methods a user can use for self-service password reset? (Multiple select)
• Email
• Mobile app notification
• Mobile app code
• Security questions
Answer: a, b, c, d.
Explanation: When self-service password reset is configured, users can use any of these methods to confirm their identity.
In Azure AD, what permission is needed to configure self-service password reset?
• Global Administrator
• Password Administrator
• User Administrator
• Security Administrator
Answer: a. Global Administrator.
Explanation: Only a Global Administrator can configure self-service password reset in Azure AD.
True or False: You can require users to register when they sign in, for self-service password reset in Azure AD.
• True
• False
Answer: True.
Explanation: You can require users to register when they sign in, this ensures that they set up the self-service password reset the first time they sign in.
Which report can be viewed to monitor self-service password reset usage in Azure AD?
• Activity report
• Sign-in report
• Password reset activity report
• Password reset registration report
Answer: c. Password reset activity report, d. Password reset registration report.
Explanation: The Azure AD portal provides two reports for monitoring self-service password reset: Password reset activity report and Password reset registration report.
True or False: If a user forgets their password, they can only reset it through contact with the IT helpdesk.
• True
• False
Answer: False.
Explanation: With self-service password reset function, users are able to reset their forgotten password themselves without the need to contact the IT helpdesk.
Azure AD self-service password reset requires a premium license for each …
• user registered for password reset
• password reset performed
• user that performed a password reset
• All of the above
Answer: a. user registered for password reset.
Explanation: An Azure AD premium license is required for the number of users that are registered/enabled for self-service password reset.
True or False: You can configure the number of days before users are asked to reconfirm their authentication information in Azure AD.
• True
• False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Yes, you can configure Azure AD to prompt users to reconfirm their authentication information after a certain number of days.
Which Azure AD report can be used to find users who are not registered for self-service password reset?
• Activity report
• Contrast report
• Registration report
• All of the above
Answer: c. Registration report.
Explanation: The registration report can be used to identify users who have not yet registered for self-service password reset.
True or False: The Azure AD self-service password reset feature requires users to have secondary authentication methods configured.
• True
• False
Answer: True.
Explanation: To use the Azure AD self-service password reset feature, a user must first set up a secondary authentication method, such as a phone number or alternative email address.
Interview Questions
What is a Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)?
SSPR is a feature provided by Microsoft Azure Active Directory to help users regain access to their accounts by resetting their passwords independently. It eliminates the need for administrators to manually reset user passwords, thus increasing the efficiency of managing identities.
What are the two stages involved in SSPR deployment?
The two stages are 1) Setting up the SSPR and 2) Registering the users. The set up involves enabling SSPR, defining the authentication methods, and creating a policy. The registration of users involves capturing the authentication information from users.
Can SSPR be used by all users in Azure Active Directory?
While SSPR is available to all users in Azure AD, the service is only fully functional for those who are assigned the Azure AD Premium P1 or P2 licenses.
What are the self-service password reset authentication methods available in Azure AD?
Available methods include the use of an alternate email, phone number (for SMS or voice call), or security questions. The user can also use the Microsoft Authenticator App if it has been configured.
How do you enable SSPR in Azure AD?
Go to the Azure portal, locate Azure AD, navigate to Password Reset and select Properties. Set ‘Self Service Password Reset’ to ‘All’ or ‘Selected’ if you want it to be applicable to select users.
What is the importance of configuring a notification to all users when enabling SSPR?
Notifying all users ensures they are aware of the new feature and understand how to use it when needed. This promotes the adoption of the feature and reduces the likelihood of login failures.
How do you view SSPR activity and reporting?
You can view SSPR activity and reporting by heading over to the “Password Reset” section in Azure AD. Under “Reports,” you will find the “Password reset activity” and “Password reset registration activity” reports.
What is the minimum number of authentication methods a user must set up for SSPR?
The minimum number of authentication methods that a user must set up is one. However, it’s recommended to set up at least two methods to provide alternative options in case one method fails.
Can the SSPR service be integrated into Windows’ login screen?
Yes, SSPR can be integrated directly into the Windows 10 login screen using the feature called “Reset password” or “I forgot my password” link. This feature, however, requires Azure AD Premium licenses.
How can you enforce SSPR registration for users?
By using the “Require users to register when signing in” setting in SSPR settings. This prompts users to configure their password reset authentication information during their next sign-in.
Can SSPR be used with accounts synchronized using Azure AD Connect?
Yes, SSPR supports password writeback, which allows password changes in the cloud to be written back to an existing on-premises directory.
What is the role of Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in SSPR?
Azure MFA enhances the security of the Self-service password reset process by requiring users to authenticate using multiple verification methods.
How do you disable SSPR for a certain group of users?
In the Azure portal, you can choose the “Selected” option in the SSPR settings and exclude the particular group from the selection. This will disable SSPR for that group of users.
What is Password Writeback?
Password Writeback is a feature enabled with Azure AD Connect that allows password changes in the cloud to be written back to an existing on-premises directory in real-time.
Can you use SSPR to unlock a locked-out user account?
Yes, Azure AD SSPR can also be used to unlock a locked-out user account. This feature has to be enabled in the Azure portal.
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