https://DevOpsCloud.io -- Cloud Monk Losang Jinpa, Ph.D., MCSE/MCT, GitOps DevOps Engineer

Return to Window Security, Password Management, Windows Password Management, macOS Password Management, iOS Password Management, Android Password Management, IBM Mainframe Password Management, AWS Password Management, Azure Password Management, GCP Password Management, Docker Password Management, Kubernetes Password Management, Passwordless - Passkeys, Authentication, IAM - Identify Management, Personal Identification Number (PIN), Password, Password Manager, Single Signon, MFA-2FA, Biometric Authentication, Microsoft Hello, Apple Face ID, Facial Recognition, Iris Recognition, Retinal Scan, Eye Vein Verification, Recognition, Fingerprint Recognition

• Definition: Windows Password Management involves the mechanisms and tools used to securely store, manage, and authenticate user passwords on a Windows operating system.
• Function: Ensures that user passwords are stored securely, allows users to manage their passwords, and facilitates authentication for system access and services.
• Components:
  • SAM (Security Accounts Manager): A database that stores user account information and hashed passwords.
  • LSA (Local Security Authority): A subsystem that enforces security policies and authenticates users.
  • Windows Password Management Tools: Utilities like `net user`, `Windows Local Users and Groups`, and `Windows Group Policy` for managing user passwords.

• Features:
  • Windows Password Encryption: Uses Windows hashing algorithms (e.g., NTLM hash) to encrypt Windows passwords stored in the SAM database.
  • Windows Password Policies: Enforce rules such as Windows password minimum length, Windows password complexity, and Windows password expiration periods through Group Policy.
  • Windows Password Management Tools: Provide commands and graphical interfaces for users and administrators to change passwords, set expiration dates, and configure password policies.
  • Windows Authentication Mechanisms: Integrates with various Windows authentication methods, including Windows local accounts, Active Directory, and Windows Kerberos.

• Usage: Critical for system security, ensuring that only authorized users can access the system and its resources.

• Changing a user's password via command line:

   ```cmd
   net user  
   ```

• Setting password policies via Group Policy:
  • Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
  • Navigate to `Computer Configuration` > `Policies` > `Windows Settings` > `Security Settings` > `Account Policies` > `Password Policy`.
  • Configure settings such as password length, complexity requirements, and expiration.

• Managing passwords via `Local Users and Groups`:
  • Open `Windows Computer Management` (`compmgmt.msc`).
  • Navigate to `Windows System Tools` > `Local Users and Groups` > `Users`.
  • Right-click on a user account and select `Set Password` to change the password.

• Windows Password Management: Involves securely storing, managing, and authenticating user passwords using tools and mechanisms like SAM, LSA, Group Policy, and various password management utilities to ensure system security.