Authentication Solutions - By Challenge

Notes ID Password Recovery

Challenge

Normally, end-user authentication for the Notes client is accomplished by entering the Notes ID password to unlock the Notes ID file, which contains the public and private key pair that allows access to the Notes client.  Because the key pair is essential to Notes’ Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), the steps required to recover the Notes ID password are complicated and time-consuming.  The end-user must initiate the Notes ID recovery process and then typically has to find three Lotus Domino administrators to generate recovery strings.  This information is then used by the end-user to reset the password on their Notes ID.  The result is excess work for IT and a drain on IT resources, as well as a large amount of downtime for the end-user.

Solution

PistolStar’s Password Power provides authentication redirection utilizing the Microsoft Active Directory password for accessing the Lotus Notes client.  If the end-user’s Notes ID password is lost or forgotten, this effectively eliminates the headache of manual Notes ID password recovery by allowing a reset of the Active Directory password to restore access to Lotus Notes. 

No username mapping is performed as the end-user still uses the Notes ID to access Notes.  Password Power functions as a layer between Notes ID management and the end-user, providing password synchronization between Active Directory and the Notes ID file and providing the end-user’s Notes ID password for accessing Lotus Notes.

If the end-user forgets their Active Directory password, a simple reset of the password immediately restores access.  Password resets in Active Directory immediately reset the password stored in the end-user’s Notes ID the next time the end-user launches Notes.