Specops supports Symantec VIP to secure password resets

Specops Software released an update to its Specops Authentication platform today. The platform secures password resets, password changes, and encryption key recovery with multi-factor authentication (MFA) that supports various third-party MFA options including Symantec VIP. The updated version allows organizations using Symantec VIP to extend this investment to secure password management use cases, for the IT service desk and self-service. 

With many workforces working remotely, account lockouts caused by forgotten or expired passwords are increasingly draining IT support resources. This introduces unnecessary risk due to insecure user verification at the IT service desk. Investment in a self-service password reset (SSPR) solution can be a quick win by off-loading these high-volume, high-risk calls in a few short months.  However, even with an SSPR solution in place, some users will continue to call the IT service desk and it is important to provide support staff with the proper tools to securely verify users’ identities to prevent false resets/account takeovers, and to satisfy regulatory requirements. 

“Specops Authentication has supported Symantec VIP authentication for years, allowing organizations to ensure that users are who they say they are before being able to change or reset their own passwords,” said Lori Österholm, CTO at Specops Software. “This version uses Symantec VIP authentication at the IT service desk by allowing agents to quickly and securely use this existing asset to verify users’ identities.”   

The Specops Authentication platform secures self-service and service-desk assisted password resets, remote password changes, and encryption key recovery with a shared multi-factor authentication platform that supports more than 15 identity providers. A single MFA platform that supports multiple use cases and existing authentication investments reduces end-user adoption barriers by pre-enrolling users into the system and allowing the enrollment data to be shared across various high-risk use cases.

“The strength of Specops coupled with Symantec VIP enables enterprises to securely and easily verify a user’s identity,” said Clayton Donley, Vice President and General Manager, Identity Management Security Division, Broadcom. “The Specops Authentication Platform and Symantec VIP are fundamental to empowering users and optimizing IT support resources.”

“The success of any service that relies on multi-factor authentication is based on ease of use,” Österholm said. “Specops Authentication removes the usability challenges organizations can face when rolling out MFA to secure high-risk use cases.”

IT admins currently using Symantec VIP can use this service to verify user identities to secure self-service password resets or password resets at the service desk.

About Specops Software 

Specops Software is the leading provider of password management and authentication solutions. Specops protects your business data by blocking weak passwords and securing user authentication. With a complete portfolio of solutions natively integrated with Active Directory, Specops ensures sensitive data is stored on-premises and in your control. Every day thousands of organizations use Specops Software to protect business data.