Home > Ask the Microsoft Exchange Experts > Richard Luckett: Spam and Security Questions & Answers > Enhance OWA logon security using Microsoft ISA Server
Ask The Exchange Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

Enhance OWA logon security using Microsoft ISA Server

Richard Luckett EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Richard Luckett

Pose a Question
Other Exchange Categories
Meet all Exchange Experts
Become an Expert for this site


Exchange Server tips, tutorials and expert advice
Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 18 September 2007
I have one Exchange server and one Microsoft ISA server. Outlook Web Access (OWA) is published through the ISA server. When anybody tries to access OWA, it prompts for username and password, and then you can log on. However, after logging on you can input any username in the address bar and that user's Exchange mailbox will open. I'm using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate (e.g., https://mail.abc.com/exchange/Username), so I'm stumped as to why this isn't secure.

>

The default security model in Exchange Server 2003 prevents all user accounts from being able to open more than their own mailbox. A change to the default security settings is the only way this could happen.

For example, if you were to follow the steps in the Microsoft article, "How to assign service account access to all mailboxes in Exchange Server 2003," an account could be given access to all mailboxes. If you are logging on using such an account, then it might be possible to do what you have described without being prompted for a separate set of credentials.

You'll want to look at enabling forms-based authentication (FBA) on the ISA server. This will enhance the security for each logon. It will also force each session to log on with a new set of credentials.

For step-by-step instructions on configuring the listener for FBA, take a look at Outlook Web Access Server Publishing Walk-through Procedure 4: "Secure Outlook Web Access through the listener."

Do you have comments on this Ask the Expert Q&A? Let us know.

Related information from SearchExchange.com:

  • Tip: Protecting Outlook Web Access from keystroke loggers
  • Expert Advice: Securing Exchange mailboxes from internal attacks
  • Administration Guide: Outlook Web Access security
  • Reference Center: ISA server tips and resources

  • Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google



    RELATED CONTENT
    ISA Server and Firewalls for Microsoft Exchange Server
    Top 5 Exchange mobile tips of 2008
    Microsoft Exchange Server security dos and don'ts
    Windows SBS and Exchange Server security configuration best practices
    Why Exchange ActiveSync fails with NAT firewalls
    Deploying ISA Server as a firewall for Exchange Server mobile devices
    Adjust your firewall to avoid Exchange 2007 Direct Push failures
    OWA stops working from external network connection
    Firewall problems with Exchange Server 2007 email attachments
    How and why to disable certain ESMTP verbs
    Creating an ethical firewall in Exchange Server 2007

    Outlook Web Access
    Block Web beacons and protect OWA users from spam
    OWA 2007 configuration tricks to boost performance
    Top 5 Exchange ActiveSync tips
    Lock down direct file access and protect OWA users
    Simplify an OWA URL on Windows Server 2008
    Windows Mobile 6.5 touts Internet Explorer, OWA improvements
    When OWA's default configurations aren't good enough
    Digging deeper into Exchange Server 2010
    Troubleshoot 'System Attendant' error messages in OWA
    Troubleshoot Microsoft Outlook Web Access problems

    Richard Luckett: Spam and Security
    How effective is tracking the IP address of an email hacker?
    Why can't I grant users permissions to an Exchange public folder?
    How can I configure Exchange IMF to allow an IP address or DNS?
    Tool helps identify inbound Exchange Server email flow issues
    Configure SMTP relay restrictions in Exchange Server 2003 to stop spam
    How to lock down an SMTP relay to prevent spam in Exchange Server 2003
    Connecting an Apple iPhone to Exchange Server on Windows SBS 2003
    Why does a security alert pop up when accessing Outlook Web Access?
    Exchange email sent to a domain using SPF authentication is returned
    Selectively set email permissions for Exchange groups

    RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
    Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
    reverse proxy server  (SearchExchange.com)

    RELATED RESOURCES
    2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
    Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
    Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary



    Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
    Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
    Browse our Expert Advice



    Outlook Web Access (OWA) Tips and Advice
    HomeNewsTopicsITKnowledge ExchangeTipsAsk the ExpertsMultimediaWhite PapersIT Downloads
    About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
    SEARCH 
    TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

    TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




    All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2004 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
      TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts