Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) is a feature that allows Azure AD users to reset their passwords without needing to contact their organization’s IT support. This feature can help improve security and reduce the burden on IT administrators by empowering users to manage their own passwords.
Concept: Azure AD SSPR enables users to reset their own passwords, unlock their accounts, or change their passwords securely. Users can do this from a web browser, the Azure AD Access Panel, or from the Windows 10 login screen if they’re using a corporate-managed device. The feature is designed to enhance security while providing convenience to users.
Prerequisites: To use Azure AD Self-Service Password Reset:
- Your organization must have an Azure AD subscription.
- Users must have Azure AD accounts.
- Users must have registered their authentication methods for password reset.
Usage and Working Examples:
- Password Reset:
- A user forgets their password. They visit the SSPR portal, confirm their identity through registered methods (e.g., email, phone), and set a new password.
- Account Unlock:
- A user locks themselves out of their account due to too many failed login attempts. They can unlock their account by confirming their identity through registered methods.
- Change Password:
- Users can proactively change their password through SSPR without waiting for it to expire.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Password Reset:
Here’s how a user can reset their password using Azure AD SSPR:
- Visit the SSPR portal, which is often a web page provided by your organization. The URL might be something like https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/ or a custom URL provided by your organization.
- Enter their username (usually their email address).
- Complete the CAPTCHA challenge to prove they’re not a bot.
- Choose a method to verify their identity. Options often include receiving a code via email or SMS, using a mobile app, or answering security questions. The exact methods available depend on your organization’s SSPR configuration.
- Verify their identity using the chosen method and follow the prompts to reset their password.
Configuration, Management, and Monitoring Steps:
- Configuration:
- Sign in to the Azure portal.
- Go to “Azure Active Directory” > “Password reset.”
- Configure the SSPR settings, such as registration, methods available, and password reset settings.
- User Registration:
- Encourage users to register for SSPR. They can do this by visiting the Azure AD My Sign-Ins page and setting up their authentication methods.
- Monitoring:
- Monitor password reset activity through the Azure portal to ensure it’s working as expected.
- Management:
- Manage user access to SSPR, configure group-based access, and customize SSPR settings as needed.
Ways a User Can Use Self-Service Password Reset:
- Web Portal: Users can access the SSPR web portal and follow the prompts to reset their password, unlock their account, or change their password.
- Azure AD Access Panel: Users can use the Azure AD Access Panel (https://myapps.microsoft.com) and click “Can’t access your account?” to access SSPR.
- Windows 10 Sign-In Screen: On a corporate-managed Windows 10 device, users can initiate a password reset or account unlock directly from the login screen.
Azure AD SSPR simplifies the process of password management for both users and IT administrators while improving security. Users can independently manage their passwords, which reduces the burden on IT support.
