What is the most effective way to create a secure password policy for OpenERP users?

2 How to create a password policy

To create a password policy for your OpenERP users, you need to make use of the security and access control features available in the system. Through the Settings menu, under Users & Companies, you can create user groups and assign them to your users according to their roles and responsibilities. You can also set permissions and access rights for each user group, so that managers can create and edit invoices, while accountants can validate and post them. Furthermore, you can restrict access to sensitive data. Lastly, you can configure the password policy settings for each user group on the Security tab. This includes setting the minimum password length, required characters, expiration time, maximum login attempts, lockout duration, password resetting options, and password history features.

3 How to enforce a password policy

Creating a password policy is not enough if it is not enforced. You need to communicate the policy to users and educate them on the importance of password security. Additionally, you must monitor and audit compliance of the policy and address any issues or violations. To enforce a password policy for OpenERP users, inform them of the policy and the reasons behind it. Explain the benefits and risks of password security, providing examples of good and bad passwords. Use email, newsletters, or training sessions to deliver this information. Remind users to change passwords regularly and to use different passwords for different accounts. Utilize OpenERP's password expiration feature to prompt users to change their passwords after a certain period of time. Additionally, use the password history feature to prevent users from reusing old passwords. Periodically review and update the password policy, making sure it aligns with best practices and standards of password security. Use online tools or services to test the strength and complexity of passwords, as well as check for any breaches or leaks. Lastly, use OpenERP's password reset feature in case of a security incident.

4 How to test a password policy

Testing a password policy is essential to ensure its reliability and effectiveness. You should test the policy before and after implementation, as well as on a regular basis to detect any flaws or weaknesses. To get a comprehensive view of the policy, you should test it from various perspectives and scenarios, such as user experience, system performance, and security threats. To test a password policy for OpenERP users, you can use a password manager or generator to create random and complex passwords that meet the requirements. Try logging in with these passwords and changing or resetting them to see if the settings are applied. You can also use a password cracker or analyzer to attempt to break or guess the passwords and evaluate their entropy and vulnerability. Additionally, utilize a penetration tester or security auditor to simulate real-world attacks on your OpenERP system and its passwords, assessing the compliance and effectiveness of your policy.

5 How to improve a password policy

Improving a password policy is an ongoing process that requires constant feedback and evaluation. You need to take into account the results of your tests and the feedback of your users, as well as changes and trends of password security and technology. Here are some ways to improve a password policy for OpenERP users: longer and more complex passwords, such as passphrases, can prevent unauthorized access; multi-factor authentication or biometric authentication adds an extra layer of security; and single sign-on or federated identity management can simplify the policy administration and enforcement by centralizing the authentication and authorization processes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?