Password Management

Password Management Guide

This guide covers password policies, management procedures, and security practices in the Flux Gate system.

🎯 Overview

The Flux Gate implements comprehensive password management to ensure secure access to the system. This includes temporary password support, password reset procedures, and security best practices for administrators and users.

🔐 Password Types

Regular Passwords

Standard user-defined passwords for normal system access:

• User-created during account setup
• User-controlled password changes
• Standard login authentication
• Subject to password policies

Temporary Passwords

Administrator-assigned passwords for new users or password resets:

• Set by administrators through user management
• Force password change on next login
• Single-use authentication
• Automatic expiration after first use

👤 User Password Management

Password Reset Process

Users can reset their passwords through the reset password interface:

Accessing Password Reset

1. Login: Log in with current credentials
2. Navigation: Go to password reset page (if redirected from temporary login)
3. Reset Form: Access the password reset form

Password Reset Form

Field	Required	Description
Current Password	✅	Your existing password
New Password	✅	Your new secure password
Confirm Password	✅	Confirmation of new password

Reset Steps

1. Current Password: Enter your existing password
2. New Password: Choose a secure new password
3. Confirm Password: Re-enter new password for verification
4. Submit: Update password in system
5. Success: Password updated, continue to dashboard

Password Requirements

Security Guidelines

While the system doesn't enforce specific complexity rules, follow these guidelines:

• Minimum Length: At least 8 characters
• Character Mix: Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols
• Avoid Common Passwords: Don't use dictionary words or common patterns
• Unique Passwords: Use different passwords for different systems
• Regular Updates: Change passwords periodically

Password Examples

❌ Weak: password123
❌ Weak: admin
❌ Weak: 12345678

✅ Strong: MySecure#Pass2024
✅ Strong: Tr0ub4dor&3
✅ Strong: C0ffee!Time@Work

👨‍💼 Administrative Password Management

Temporary Password Assignment

Administrators can set temporary passwords for users:

Access Requirements

• Admin Role or Team Admin Role
• Access to user management interface

Setting Temporary Passwords

1. User Management: Navigate to Users page
2. Edit User: Select user to manage
3. Credentials Tab: Access credentials management
4. Set Temporary Password: Enter temporary password
5. Confirm: Apply temporary password to user

Temporary Password Form

Field	Required	Description
Temporary Password	✅	Secure temporary password
Confirm Password	✅	Password confirmation

Temporary Password Process

Administrator Steps

1. Create/Edit User: Access user management interface
2. Credentials Tab: Navigate to credentials section
3. Password Generation: Create secure temporary password
4. Assignment: Assign password to user account
5. Communication: Securely share password with user

User Experience

1. Receive Credentials: User receives temporary credentials
2. Initial Login: User logs in with temporary password
3. Automatic Redirect: System detects temporary password
4. Forced Reset: User redirected to password reset page
5. New Password: User creates their own secure password
6. Normal Access: User can access system with new password

🔄 Password Lifecycle

New User Onboarding

Admin Creates User → Sets Temporary Password → User Logs In → Forced Reset → Normal Access
        ↓                    ↓                      ↓              ↓             ↓
   User Created      Password Shared         First Login    Password Reset   Full Access

Existing User Password Change

User Initiates → Current Password → New Password → Confirmation → Password Updated
       ↓              ↓                 ↓              ↓               ↓
   Reset Request   Authentication    Selection     Verification    Success

Administrative Password Reset

Admin Identifies Need → Sets Temporary → Notifies User → User Resets → Normal Access
         ↓                    ↓              ↓             ↓              ↓
   Security Event      Temp Assignment   Communication   User Reset   Resolution

🛡️ Password Security

Security Best Practices

For Users

1. Strong Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords
2. Regular Updates: Change passwords regularly
3. Secure Storage: Use password managers
4. No Sharing: Never share passwords with others
5. Secure Communication: Use secure channels for password communication

For Administrators

1. Secure Temporary Passwords: Generate strong temporary passwords
2. Secure Communication: Share temporary passwords securely
3. Audit Logging: Monitor password-related activities
4. Regular Reviews: Periodically review user accounts
5. Security Training: Educate users on password security

Password Storage Security

The system implements secure password handling:

Server-Side Security

• Password Hashing: Passwords are hashed using secure algorithms
• Salt Generation: Unique salts for each password
• Secure Storage: Hashed passwords stored securely
• No Plaintext: Passwords never stored in plaintext

Authentication Security

• JWT Tokens: Secure token-based authentication
• Session Management: Secure session handling
• Token Expiration: Automatic token expiration
• Secure Transmission: HTTPS-only password transmission

🔧 Password Administration

User Account Management

Administrators can manage password-related aspects:

Account Status Control

• Enable/Disable Accounts: Control user access
• Password Expiration: Force password changes
• Account Lockout: Handle failed login attempts
• Security Events: Respond to security incidents

Bulk Operations

• Mass Password Resets: Reset multiple user passwords
• Account Auditing: Review account security status
• Security Policies: Implement organization password policies
• Compliance: Meet regulatory password requirements

Password Policy Enforcement

While not automatically enforced, recommended policies:

Organizational Policies

• Minimum Length: Require minimum password length
• Complexity Requirements: Define character requirements
• Rotation Schedule: Set password change intervals
• History Tracking: Prevent password reuse

Implementation Guidelines

• User Education: Train users on password requirements
• Regular Auditing: Review password practices
• Security Monitoring: Monitor for security events
• Incident Response: Procedures for password-related incidents

🚨 Password Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Password Reset Failed

Error: Current password incorrect

Solution: Verify current password is entered correctly.

Password Mismatch

Error: Passwords do not match

Solution: Ensure new password and confirmation are identical.

Weak Password Warning

Warning: Password may be too weak

Solution: Choose a stronger password with better complexity.

Temporary Password Issues

Cannot Set Temporary Password

Error: Access denied

Solution: Verify you have Admin or Team Admin permissions.

Temporary Password Not Working

Error: Invalid credentials

Solution: Verify temporary password was set correctly and user account is enabled.

Not Redirected to Reset Page

User goes to dashboard instead of reset

Solution: Ensure temporary password flag is set correctly in user account.

System Issues

Password Reset Page Not Loading

Error: Page not found

Solution: Check system status and network connectivity.

Database Connection Issues

Error: Unable to update password

Solution: Verify system database connectivity and try again.

💡 Password Best Practices

For Organizations

1. Security Policies: Implement clear password policies
2. Regular Training: Provide security awareness training
3. Password Managers: Recommend password management tools
4. Security Auditing: Regular security audits and reviews
5. Incident Planning: Prepare for password-related security incidents

For Users

1. Unique Passwords: Use different passwords for each system
2. Regular Updates: Change passwords at appropriate intervals
3. Secure Practices: Follow organizational security guidelines
4. Report Issues: Report password-related security concerns
5. Stay Informed: Keep up with security best practices

For Administrators

1. Secure Processes: Use secure procedures for password management
2. Access Control: Limit who can manage user passwords
3. Audit Logging: Monitor all password-related activities
4. Regular Reviews: Periodically review user access and security
5. Emergency Procedures: Have procedures for password emergencies

🔐 Integration with Authentication

Authentication Flow Integration

Password management integrates with the authentication system:

Login Process

1. User Enters Credentials: Username and password
2. Password Verification: Server verifies password hash
3. Temporary Password Check: System checks for temporary password flag
4. Redirect Logic: Normal dashboard or password reset page
5. JWT Generation: Generate authentication token

Session Management

• Token Generation: Create JWT with user information
• Session Duration: Control session length
• Token Refresh: Handle token expiration
• Logout Cleanup: Secure logout and token cleanup

🔗 Related Documentation

• Authentication & Login - Login procedures and security
• User Management - Creating and managing user accounts
• User Roles & Permissions - Role-based access control
• Admin Creation - Initial admin account setup

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Need help? Check the Troubleshooting guide or create an issue in the project repository.