8.6.2.10 Password storage schemes

The password storage scheme specifies the type of encryption used to store Directory Server passwords within the directory. The Directory Server supports several different password storage schemes:

•Salted Secure Hash Algorithm (SSHA, SSHA-256, SSHA-384, and SSHA-512).

This is the most secure password storage scheme and is the default. The recommended SSHA scheme is SSHA-256 or stronger.

•CLEAR

No encryption. This is the only option which can be used with SASL Digest-MD5, so using SASL requires the CLEAR password storage scheme.

Although passwords stored in the directory can be protected through the use of access control information (ACI) instructions, it is still not a good idea to store plain text passwords in the directory.

•Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512) This is less secure than SSHA.

•UNIX CRYPT algorithm

This algorithm provides compatibility with UNIX passwords.

•MD5

This storage scheme is less secure than SSHA, but it is included for legacy applications which require MD5.

8.6.3Designing an account lockout policy

After establishing a password policy for the directory service, protect user passwords from potential threats by configuring an account lockout policy.

The lockout policy works in conjunction with the password policy to provide further security. The account lockout feature protects against crackers who try to break into the directory by repeatedly trying to guess a user's password. A specific user can be locked out of the directory after a given number of failed attempts to bind.

8.6.4 Designing a password policy in a replicated environment

Password and account lockout policies are enforced in a replicated environment as follows:

•Password policies are enforced on the data master.

•Account lockout is enforced on all servers in the replication setup.

The password policy information in the directory, such as password age, the account lockout counter, and the expiration warning counter, are all replicated. The configuration information, however, is stored locally and is not replicated. This information includes the password syntax and the history of password modifications.

When configuring a password policy in a replicated environment, consider the following points:

•All replicas issue warnings of an impending password expiration. This information is kept locally on each server, so if a user binds to several replicas in turn, the user receives the same warning several times. In addition, if the user changes the password, it may take time for this information to filter through to the replicas. If a user changes a password, then immediately rebinds, the bind may fail until the replica registers the changes.

•The same bind behavior should occur on all servers, including suppliers and replicas. Always create the same password policy configuration information on each server.

•Account lockout counters may not work as expected in a multi-master environment.

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HP UX Direry Server manual Designing an account lockout policy, Designing a password policy in a replicated environment
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UX Direry Server specifications

HP UX Directory Server is a robust and scalable solution designed for managing directory information within enterprise networks. Developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP), this server offers an extensive set of features tailored to meet the needs of organizations that require an efficient way to store, manage, and retrieve identity and access data.

One of the key features of HP UX Directory Server is its ability to handle large directories with significant volumes of data. Built on a highly optimized architecture, it provides excellent performance and can support millions of entries without sacrificing speed or reliability. This capability makes it an ideal choice for large-scale deployments in enterprises that require high availability and responsiveness.

In addition to its scalability, HP UX Directory Server supports a wide range of protocols, including LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), which ensures seamless integration with diverse applications and systems across various platforms. The server maintains standards compliance, which facilitates interoperability and simplifies administration tasks.

Security is a top priority for HP UX Directory Server, offering an array of features to protect sensitive information. It supports secure data transmission via TLS/SSL protocols, ensuring encrypted communication between clients and servers. Advanced access controls allow administrators to define fine-grained permissions, helping to safeguard directory data against unauthorized access.

Another salient feature of HP UX Directory Server is its replication capabilities. The server can replicate directory data across multiple instances, ensuring data consistency and availability in distributed environments. This feature is essential for businesses operating across different geographical locations or requiring failover solutions for disaster recovery.

HP UX Directory Server also comes equipped with tools for data management, including an intuitive administration console for configuring and monitoring the server. Additionally, it offers customizable schema capabilities, enabling organizations to tailor the directory structure to fit their specific needs.

Integration with existing identity management solutions is streamlined through connectors and APIs, allowing organizations to extend their directory services and enhance user experience.

In summary, HP UX Directory Server is a powerful directory management solution that combines scalability, security, and integration flexibility. Its support for industry standards, advanced replication, and comprehensive administrative tools makes it an essential asset for organizations seeking to manage identity and access efficiently. By leveraging this technology, businesses can improve their operational efficiency and ensure a secure and organized approach to directory management.
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