Remote Password Reset

Remote Password Cache Updater: Seamless Password Updates for Remote Workers

Overview

The Remote Password Cache Updater is an innovative feature designed to solve a common challenge faced by remote workers: updating their device’s password cache when away from the corporate network. This integration streamlines the password update process, ensuring users can seamlessly log in to their devices with new passwords, regardless of their location.

How It Works

When you reset your password using our pre-login Windows application while working remotely, the process is both automatic and secure. The application begins by establishing a secure VPN tunnel to your corporate intranet, connecting your device to the nearest Active Directory Domain Controller (ADDC). Once connected, a Kerberos authentication process quickly updates your device’s password cache. After the update is complete, the system automatically disconnects the VPN tunnel and closes the pre-login application, allowing you to immediately log in using your new password.

Implementation Options

Organizations have two primary paths for implementing this solution, depending on their existing infrastructure and requirements.

Option 1: Existing VPN Integration

For organizations with an existing VPN solution, we work closely with your IT team to leverage your current infrastructure. Our integration team will collaborate with you to configure the VPN for automatic authentication, ensuring it works seamlessly with our password cache update feature. The key requirement for this approach is that your VPN client must support Command Line Interface (CLI) capabilities. Our team provides comprehensive training and documentation tailored to your specific VPN implementation, ensuring a smooth deployment process.

Option 2: Azure VPN Implementation

Organizations without a suitable VPN solution or those lacking CLI capabilities can implement Azure VPN as an alternative. This solution requires several Azure resources working in concert to provide secure and reliable connectivity. Your implementation will need an Azure Virtual Network (VNET) to provide the foundation for your virtual networking infrastructure, along with an Azure Virtual Network Gateway to handle VPN connections and routing. A static Azure Public IP Address enables reliable external connectivity to your VPN gateway.

The solution also requires a valid certificate for secure user authentication, which must be properly configured in Azure and distributed to client devices. For network connectivity, you’ll need to implement either VNET-to-VNET peering within Azure to reach cloud-based domain controllers or establish a Site-to-Site VPN connection to access on-premises domain controllers.

Security Considerations and Best Practices

A critical aspect of this solution is the system context authentication requirement. The VPN connection must be established in a system/device context, not a user context, as the password update occurs during the pre-login phase when no user is logged into Windows. This requires careful configuration to ensure the system has appropriate permissions to establish the connection.

To maintain security and reliability, organizations should implement several key practices: regular auditing of VPN access logs and proper network segmentation are essential, as is configuring appropriate connection timeouts to automatically disconnect inactive sessions. Certificate management is equally important – regular monitoring and maintenance of certificate validity helps prevent authentication issues. Additionally, establishing a regular testing schedule for the password update process ensures consistent functionality.

Getting Started

The implementation process begins with an assessment of your current VPN capabilities, followed by selecting the appropriate implementation path based on your infrastructure. Our support team provides comprehensive implementation guidance throughout the process. We recommend scheduling a testing phase before full deployment to identify and address any potential issues. During this phase, we’ll work with you to train your IT support staff on the new process, ensuring they’re fully prepared to support the solution.

Support and Documentation

Our technical support department is available to provide detailed implementation guides, troubleshooting assistance, and consultation services throughout your deployment. We understand that each organization’s needs are unique, and we’re committed to ensuring a successful implementation that meets your specific requirements.