Specops extends uReset to boost cloud Entra ID password security
Specops Software has announced that its self-service password reset solution, Specops uReset, now extends support to cloud-only Entra ID environments.
The move allows organisations utilising Entra ID, Microsoft's cloud-based identity and access management service, to provide users with self-managed password reset capabilities around the clock. Specops uReset was previously available for on-premises and hybrid environments; this expands its reach, offering organisations operating fully in the cloud the same functionality as those with more traditional infrastructure setups.
Reducing help desk demand
Password management remains one of the most significant challenges for IT support operations. Industry analysts have reported that around 40% of all IT help desk calls concern password-related issues. Such volume consistently places pressure on resources and leads to delays for users locked out of accounts, impacting productivity and increasing operational expenses.
By introducing self-service password reset options with uReset, organisations are able to shift a substantial portion of routine help desk workload away from IT staff. The solution operates through a secure browser interface, available on any device, ensuring both on-site and remote users can regain account access without contacting support teams.
The increasing prevalence of cloud computing - with 94% of organisations now using at least some cloud services - has made secure, scalable password management tools an essential requirement. With support for Entra ID, Specops uReset is positioned to address this area of need for modern businesses operating diverse IT environments.
Expanded features and security
The latest version of uReset introduces several enhancements beyond native Entra ID password reset options. These include flexible multi-factor authentication (MFA) with more than 20 authentication choices, such as Microsoft Authenticator, Okta, Duo Security, Yubikey, and Specops:ID. Users receive real-time feedback during password creation and have the benefit of breached password protection, leveraging a database of over four billion compromised credentials. Privacy-first enrolment processes are also a focus of the update, ensuring that individuals' data is managed appropriately throughout authentication events.
"By enabling users to securely reset their own passwords through verified identity challenges, cloud-only Entra ID organisations can dramatically reduce help desk volume while improving user satisfaction and productivity. Specops uReset is now uniquely positioned to support cloud, hybrid, and on-prem customers by leveraging existing security and compliance standards to maintain least-privilege access, and also by freeing up IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives instead of routine password resets," said Darren James, Senior Product Manager at Specops Software.
Specops uReset has joined the company's Secure Service Desk solution in offering support for on-premises, hybrid, and, with this release, cloud-only infrastructures. This expansion is aimed at organisations with remote, hybrid, or distributed workforces, where consistent, secure, and always-available password reset access is required.
Impact on IT operations
Industry research underscores the importance of password reset solutions. With routine password issues accounting for a significant slice of IT workloads, the ability to offload these tasks to secure, automated systems can offer substantial time and cost savings. The promise of reduced friction for end-users and recovered capacity for IT organisations aligns with broader trends towards digital transformation and distributed working patterns.
Specops Software's focus, as highlighted by the launch, is on helping organisations adopt self-service, security-focused approaches to identity management while controlling costs and minimising disruption to core IT activities. Their partnership with Outpost24 further extends a combined emphasis on risk management and digital protection.
With support for Entra ID environments, organisations leveraging Microsoft's cloud identity platform can now deploy self-service password reset for all users, regardless of where they are accessing systems. In doing so, companies may reduce password-related downtime, enhance user independence, and refocus IT personnel on higher-value tasks.
