NC-Syncom Modernization Guide

NC-Syncom synchronizes passwords across different systems and platforms, ensuring consistent credentials for users accessing various resources. It helps maintain security and simplifies user access management.

NC-Syncom is a middleware solution that sits between different systems and applications, facilitating the exchange of password information. It is not a standalone application but rather a component that enhances existing identity management infrastructure.

Organizations that rely on multiple systems and platforms, especially those with mainframe environments, benefit from NC-Syncom. These include large enterprises in banking, finance, insurance, and government sectors where consistent password policies are critical.

A company should consider NC-Syncom when they need to enforce consistent password policies across diverse systems, reduce help desk calls related to password issues, and improve overall security by ensuring synchronized credentials.

Alternatives to NC-Syncom include Vanguard ez/Signon, IdentityForge Advanced Adapter, and other custom-built password synchronization solutions. Each has different features, integration capabilities, and costs.

NC-Syncom typically runs on z/OS and requires specific subsystems to be present. It is often deployed in an LPAR to isolate it from other workloads. It extends and enhances existing security products.

NC-Syncom requires existing infrastructure such as a security management system (e.g., RACF, ACF2, Top Secret) and network connectivity between the systems it needs to synchronize passwords across.

NC-Syncom exposes APIs, possibly including REST or SOAP, to allow integration with other systems. These APIs facilitate the exchange of password information and allow for customized synchronization workflows.

The main system components include a synchronization engine, communication modules, and data storage. These components communicate via network protocols to exchange password information between systems.

NC-Syncom solves the business problem of inconsistent passwords across different systems, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and increased help desk costs. By synchronizing passwords, it improves security and reduces administrative overhead.

If an organization does not use NC-Syncom or a similar product, they may face challenges such as inconsistent password policies, increased security risks, higher help desk costs, and reduced user productivity due to password-related issues.

NC-Syncom integrates with enterprise ecosystems by providing APIs and interfaces that allow it to connect with other identity management systems, security platforms, and applications. This integration ensures seamless password synchronization across the enterprise.

NC-Syncom supports authentication methods such as LDAP, Kerberos, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). It uses an access control model based on roles (RBAC) to manage user permissions and access to resources.

NC-Syncom uses encryption to protect password data both in transit and at rest. It also provides audit logging capabilities to track password changes and access attempts, helping organizations meet compliance requirements.

NC-Syncom provides audit and logging capabilities to track password changes, access attempts, and other security-related events. These logs can be used for security monitoring, compliance reporting, and incident investigation.

NC-Syncom is typically deployed on-premise or in a hybrid environment, requiring technical expertise to implement and maintain. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring, maintenance, and staffing to ensure the system runs smoothly.

NC-Syncom provides administrative interfaces such as a command-line interface (CLI) and a web console for managing users, configuring parameters, and monitoring system performance. User management is handled through integration with existing directory services.

Common implementation challenges include integrating with diverse systems, configuring password policies, and ensuring secure communication between components. Proper planning and testing are essential for a successful deployment.