Published On: 3. July 2024

How credential providers take your security to the next level

IT security is an important issue for every company. This often involves the management of access rights. However, passwords alone are usually not enough to guarantee the security of data. A credential provider can help here. It enables secure authentication of users and thus protects against unauthorized access.

What exactly are credential providers?

Credential providers are software that is used to manage access authorizations. One example is tokens or certificates that can be used to authenticate users. Credential providers make it possible for only authorized persons to access certain data. This is particularly important at a time when cybercrime is on the rise and passwords are frequently hacked.
Credential providers are available from various providers. They offer the option of using several different login methods. Compared to traditional password protection, a credential provider thus offers an additional layer of protection.
The implementation of a credential provider is relatively simple and can be carried out on both Windows and Mac platforms. However, there are some important factors to consider when choosing a provider. Compatibility with other systems and support for newer standards are crucial.

These are the advantages of credential providers

By using credential providers, users can be securely authenticated without having to disclose their passwords. This not only increases security, but also convenience for users. Credential providers also enable companies to manage and control access authorizations more effectively. One example of this is Microsoft’s Windows Hello for Business, which offers biometric authentication options and thus provides additional protection against password attacks. Apple has also implemented a similar solution with its Face ID system. The use of token-based systems such as OAuth or OpenID Connect by credential providers can also help to make login processes more secure and user-friendly.

What types of credential providers are there?

Credential providers can take various forms and are often specialized authentication methods or interfaces.

What should you consider when choosing a credential provider?

First of all, you should make sure that the provider offers a secure and reliable authentication method. One example of this is two-factor authentication, where an additional code or token is required alongside the password to enable access. It is also important that the credential provider offers a user-friendly interface and makes it easy to manage credentials. In addition, a suitable provider should also offer a high level of interoperability and be compatible with various platforms such as Windows or Github.

Conclusion: Why credential providers are indispensable for companies

Credential providers offer companies numerous advantages such as improved access control, secure authentication methods and effective management of user access data. Compared to traditional password protection, the use of a credential provider offers greater protection against cyber attacks and data theft.

It also facilitates the management of credentials, which significantly improves the company’s overall security structure. It also enables companies to improve their security measures without having to make costly changes to their existing systems.

Our solution – BAYOOSOFT Access Manager Password Reset

With the Password Reset module of our BAYOOSOFT Access Manager, a self-service reset tool, employees can reset forgotten passwords themselves without having to contact the service desk – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The module is easy to use and has extremely high user acceptance. This allows you to design your password management processes efficiently and cost-optimized.
Until now, users could only use AMPR via the web interface. For example, if you forgot your Windows password, you had to access a browser, which could be very inconvenient. With the help of the new version’s credential provider, users can now reset their password directly on the login page. After successful authentication, the user can assign a new password in accordance with the password policies, the password is reset directly and the user can log in immediately with the new password. The TAN procedure or the token procedure can be selected as the authentication procedure.
You also have the option of resetting your password by phone call. The caller is guided through a process and must finally authenticate himself or herself. This works via:

However, the popular authentication procedure based on the dual control principle is reaching its limits in times of mobile working. For this reason, version 2022.1 introduces the new “dual control principle online” authentication method.
If you have forgotten your password, please contact one of the authorized persons (e.g. by telephone). This trusted person triggers a password reset via the Self Service Portal and specifies another trusted person. As part of the password reset, a one-time password is generated and divided into two parts: Part 1 of the new password is displayed to trusted person 1 on the user interface and passes this on to the person who wants to reset their password. This person now contacts the second trusted person who received part 2 of the password by e-mail and receives the second part of the password. The parts can now be assembled and used to create a password.

More information security with our Access Manager

Your solution around file servers, SharePoint, Active Directory and third-party systems – From standardizing user and access management to supporting the supply of IT services: Optimize entire process chains with BAYOOSOFT Access Manager and sustainably reduce operational efforts while increasing information security.

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