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<h1 style="text-align: center;">Security, <br> (Users and Roles<Roles)</h1>

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Introduction to the Security Module

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The Security

module

Module ensures the safety and integrity of your projects

by managing

.

Some of the key features include:

  • Managing user access, roles, and permissions.
It allows administrators to control
  •  
  • Controls who can access, view, and modify
project components and
  • solution components. 
  • Controls who can manage runtime user interactions with displays and actions.

This module also supports integration with external user authentication systems, such as Active Directory (AD) and LDAP, to streamline user management across your organization, and implements the technical requirements for for critical infrastructures and regulated process automation, including FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

In this chapter, we will explore the key concepts and terminologies related to the Security module, its configuration process, and the application of security measures in your projects. 

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Key Concepts and Terms

The Security module's purpose is to ensure secure data exchange between the platform and external databases. The concepts of Users, Permissions, Policies, and Runtime Users ease the Security module's understanding.

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Module defines the Users allowed to use or modify solution, and their Roles, Permission, and Security Policies. The definition of users can be created locally using the platform tools or executed in connection with external definitions such as Active Directory, LDAP servers, or external SQL databases.

Users

Anyone accessing the

project

solution, either

on the engineering or runtime mode, is a User.
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Permissions

The Permissions concept ensures that users access only the necessary functionalities and data for their job, reducing the risk of security breaches and unauthorized activities. The group-based Permissions allow configuring which functions users can access while editing or during the project runtime.

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in engineering (Designer Tool) or in runtime mode (Displays).

Permissions

Permissions are set levels of access for each user that determine what they can or cannot do within the solution.

Policies

Policies manage

Policies

The Policies enable the management of the

requirements on User Identification and Session

control. For instance, you can setup a Policy for minimum of 8 letters passwords (Identification Policy) and an automated LogOff after 8 hours of usage (Session Policy). Then, you setup which Users will be required to follow that Policy. Panel
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RuntimeUsers

It is a very common Project requirement to dynamic add and remove Users. Instead of modifying the Project every time, the platform allows the concept of Runtime Users which are dynamically created and retried

Control.

RuntimeUsers

These users are created and retrieved from an external encrypted SQL database

, but other Identification server can be integrated. 

or other identification servers.


Understanding the Security Module

What the Security Module Enables

User roles management

Managing user roles in FactoryStudio involves assigning a role to each user that defines their level of access to various components of the projectsolution. Each role has its permissions, which can be customized to meet the security requirements of your organization.

Managing External Users (Runtime Users

Definitions

)

External Users in FactoryStudio this context refers to users who are not part of the organization but need access to specific components of the project. This can include contractors, clients, or third-party vendors. These users are typically managed via RuntimeUsers or integration with Active Directory and LDAP.

Securing

Project Settings

Solution Configuration

The platform FactoryStudio provides several tools to secure project settings. By the solution configuration itself.  By assigning Permissions and Policies, administrators can control which users have access to specific project settings and featuresmodules, editors and documents. This ensures that only authorized users can make changes to critical project settingson each part the solution configuration.

Securing Runtime Execution

Securing runtime involves managing user sessions in client displays by setting password requirements, session restrictions, and e-signature settings. FactoryStudio also The platform allows administrators to monitor client connections and manage active sessions.

Users, Permissions and Policies Summary

For a summary of the Security Configuration, go to Security Overview, which presents the basic configuration steps and properties for Users, Permission and Policies. 

The next section presents the configuration of those elements in further details.


Configuring the Security Module

Configuration Workflow

Each user User is assigned to a security group defined in set of Permissions and a session policy configured in the Policies.

Permissions define the level of access users have for project configuration and client displays.

Policies, on the other hand, focus on managing user sessions in client displays, either WPF or HTML5, by setting password requirements, session restrictions, and e-signature settings.

to a Session Policy.

Security module configuration workflow

Security Configuration Interfaces

Action

Where 

Edit Users

Security → Users

Define security Permissions

Security → Permissions

Define security Policies 

Security → Policies

Manage RuntimeUsers

Security → RuntimeUsers

RuntimeUsers

RuntimeUsers are a separate group of users who are Runtime Users are either defined in an external database or created dynamically using the CreateUser method, and they . They can log in and similarly utilize use remote operation displays similarly to the users specified in the Project solution configuration. See RuntimeUsers properties to explore the properties in detail

Read more about RuntimeUsers.

AD/LDAP Integrations

Windows AD Integration

Instead of validating the Users again, the credentials in the Project configuration and the identification of the User connection can be automatically executed using our The platform can automatically execute user credentials validation and user connection identification using native Windows Active Directory integration. This functionality in only , available for the Users users connecting from Windows operating systems.

Read more about For more information, see Windows AD / LDAP Server.

AD/LDAP Server Integration

When the integration with Windows AD integration is not available, it is still possible for an unavailable, automated identification can still be achieved using the a business server to define an -defined LDAP server to be used by the project. .

For more information, Read more about Windows AD / LDAP Server.


Working with the Security Module

Runtime Execution

For in-depth security runtime understanding, please explore the Security Runtime Execution.

Monitoring Clients Connections

The Monitoring Client Connections empowers you to track and manage active connections. This functionality enables efficient troubleshooting and resource allocation for your project's needs. Please refer to the Monitoring Client Connections for a comprehensive client connections understanding.

Customizing Login Procedures

The Custom Login Procedures enables you to modify Modify the login page, fine-tune user validation, and incorporate custom logic into the client startup ScriptTask process . This allows for a tailored login experience that suits your project's specific requirements. For a deeper understanding of how to customize login procedures and to examine detailed examples, please consult the Customizing Login Procedures.

Managing Users on Displays and Scripts

Further User management can also be execute on Scripts.

Read more on Scripts, Handling Security

Applying Security to Displays

Regulate The User Management on Displays and Scripts enables you to regulate user access and interactions within displays and scripts, promoting a secure and efficient work environment. To acquire an in-depth understanding of user management on displays and scripts, please consult the Managing Users on Displays and Scripts., either by protecting the entire display, or specific commands or elements within each display.

Display Edit or Run Security

The configuration table Displays → List, has the columns EditSecurity and RunSecurity that allow to define the PermissionGroups allowed to configure, or open in runtime, each displays. 

Security within the Display

When drawing the solution User Interface, there is a Dynamic Property specifically to apply security to any Input the operator may do at the display.

→ Read more on Drawing User Interfaces / Dynamics and UI Elements, the Security Dynamic configuration. 


Security Runtime Attributes

The Securitynamespace contains all runtime information regarding the security system. The Clientobject has information about the current user logged at that client station.

Examples

Client.Username

The property is the name of current logged user.

Client.CurrentUser

References the data structure with all the information of the currently logged-in user.


Read more about Objects and Namespaces.


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BestPractices
BestPractices
Best Practices and Troubleshooting

Best Practices and Recommendations

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

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Troubleshooting and Common #Issues

The Security module may encounter some issues in its operation. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

  1. User cannot log in

    • Solution: Ensure that the user is entering the correct login credentials. Check if the user's account is active and not blocked or flagged as deleted. If the problem persists, contact your system administrator.
  2. Permission denied error

    • Solution: Check the user's assigned Permissions. Ensure that they have the necessary access rights to perform the desired action. If necessary, update their Permissions or assign them to a different user group.

Best Practices and #Recommendations

To ensure the smooth operation of the Security module, follow these best practices

:

  • Regularly update your user list and their associated permissions
. This helps
  • to maintain security
by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to your system
  • .
Recommendation:
  • Conduct
a
  • periodic
audit
  • audits of user accounts and permissions
. Make
  • , making necessary updates and
remove
  • removing inactive users.
  • Enforce strong password policies to enhance security.
Recommendation:
  • Require
users to use
  • complex passwords that include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Additionally, encourage them to change their passwords regularly
  • Encourage regular password changes.
  • Keep your system up-to-date with patches and updates.
Recommendation:
  • Regular updates
and patches
  • often include security enhancements and fixes. Ensure
that
  • your system is up-to-date to
take advantage of
  • benefit from these improvements.

Security Runtime Attributes

The Security namespace has all the runtime information regarding the security system.

The Client object has information about the current user logged at that client station:

Troubleshooting and Common Issues:

  • User Cannot Log In: Ensure the user is entering correct login credentials. Check if the user's account is active and not blocked or flagged as deleted. If the problem persists, contact your system administrator.
  • Permission Denied Error: Check the user's assigned Permissions. Ensure they have the necessary access rights to perform the desired action. Update their Permissions or assign them to a different user group if necessary
ExamplesClient.UsernameThe property is the name of current logged user.Client.CurrentUserReference to a data structure with all the information of the currently logged-in user.To learn about the basic concepts of namespaces and objects, you can refer to Objects and Namespaces
  • .

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