| Anytime an authentication method is exposed to allow for the utilization of an operating system, there is a risk that attempts will be made to obtain unauthorized access. To defeat these attempts, organizations define the number of times a user account may consecutively fail a login attempt. The organization also defines the period of time in which these consecutive failed attempts may occur. By limiting the number of failed login attempts, the risk of unauthorized system access via user password guessing, otherwise known as brute forcing, is reduced. Limits are imposed by locking the account. Applicable, but permanent not-a-finding - Lockdown mode (required) limits access via the vpxuser proxy (password is 32 chars, not configurable, and changed every 30 days "or" sooner when/if a new host is configured/controlled by the vCenter Server). root is the only local account and must never be locked out. Active Directory (w/roles) are required for all other accounts. No non-privileged users on the hypervisor. |
