One important way to improve Windows Network Security is to control users from accessing the network based on criteria that you have specified.
UserLock sets this kind of stringent access control entry by restricting user logons according to customized user access policies. It continuously monitors all login and session events, automatically applying custom policies to permit or deny logins, workstation access and usage/connection time.
This post looks at the type of restrictions made and the level of granularity offered.
Defining protected accounts
The defined protected accounts can be made up of users, user groups or Organizational Units (OU) onto which UserLock rules can be applied. User Protected accounts always override Group and OU Protected account settings. With Group and OU permissions you can choose the policy rule that UserLock should use.
Note: Because UserLock integrates with Active Directory, just type the user account name and UserLock will check for that account against Active Directory and add it in the console.
For each protected account, the following restrictions can then be set.
The Maximum Number and Type of Opened Sessions
Define the number of concurrent sessions allowed. This includes the maximum number of simultaneous workstations where a user can be logged on, the maximum number of terminal sessions that a user can open and the total interactive sessions (workstations and terminal) allowed.
Restrict also the maximum number of simultaneous Wi-Fi/VPN sessions that a user can open (including 0 sessions) and allowed IIS sessions.
A maximum limit for combinations of several kinds of sessions can also be set.
An option is available to allow or deny a user to logoff an existing session if the number of allowed sessions has already been reached.
Workstation restrictions
Restrict the workstations/terminals from where a protected account may logon. Set a restriction by an IP range, a computer name/IP or Organizational Unit.
Chris Bunn | www.isdecisions.com | @IS_Decisions
Chris is Community Manager of IS Decisions, a Software Vendor specializing in Infrastructure and Security Management solutions for Microsoft Windows.
Software solutions developed for Network Administrators:
– secure, monitor and report on network access and user sessions
– audit access to sensitive files and folders
– perform remote installations of applications and updates across the network
– automate the inventory of Windows assets (hardware, software, settings, eventlogs)
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