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Microsoft Dynamics GP Security: 5 Myths and Legends

by Mark Polino
Director of Client Services, Fastpath, Integrated Business Group

Haunted by Microsoft Dynamics GP Security myths and legends 

With Halloween upon us I wanted to tackle one of the scarier areas of Microsoft Dynamics GP - security. What better way to do that than with a look at 5 myths and legends of GP security.

1.  GP is insecure because the Admin password isn't encrypted.
This myth made the rounds a few years back and it's as false as those bigfoot sightings in Washington state. The admin password isn't encrypted, it's merely obscured in the database, but the admin password is a secondary security measure designed as a hedge in cases where you might have given someone too much security access. It's not a primary security item. If the user can't get to a window, the admin password never comes into play and if a user is so deep in SQL that they could figure out the Admin password, it's too late for you anyway.

2. You must be ‘sa' to add users to GP.
This legend is like the walking dead. It's everywhere. You don't need to be ‘sa' to add users or do much beyond install GP. All you need to do is add a user to the SYSADMIN security role in SQL and give them the appropriate permission in GP. The folks at Fastpath have a fantastic write up around this.

3. You must be ‘sa' to use the Professional Service Tools Library (PSTL).  <... class="become-member ms-auto me-auto">

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About Mark Polino

Mark Polino is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a former Microsoft MVP (2007-2018) for Business Solutions. He is the author or coauthor of 5 books related to Microsoft Dynamics GP.  Mark also maintains the Dynamics GP focused website DynamicAccounting.net. He speaks and writes regularly about ERP related topics. Mark has been a controller and CFO for a division of a publicly traded company and he has  worked as a consultant implementing ERP solutions. Mark holds additional certifications including Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) , Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Dynamics Credentialed Professional for Dynamics GP 2015 (Core Install and Core Financials), Xero Certified. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Rollins College. Mark lives with his family in Florida.

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