Boost user account security on your Joomla site with "User - Static Password," a robust plugin that prevents password changes for specific user groups. Building on a legacy extension from Joomla 1.5 that hadn’t been updated, I’ve crafted a modern, compatible version to meet today’s needs—perfect for administrators seeking to safeguard sensitive accounts.
How It Works
"User - Static Password" is incredibly easy to use: enable the plugin, then select the user groups you want to restrict from modifying their passwords (use CTRL or Command key for multiple selections). Once configured, users in those groups won’t see password fields when editing their profiles, effectively locking their credentials in place. To ensure robust protection, the plugin also prevents password submissions within form data, thwarting any attempts to bypass restrictions, even for savvy users hacking the form.
v5.0.4
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Why Choose User - Static Password?
This plugin isn’t just about restriction—it’s about security and control. Whether you’re managing a private intranet, a membership site, or any Joomla platform where password stability is critical, "User - Static Password" ensures users can’t alter their passwords without admin oversight. Unlike its companion "Static Email," this plugin hides password fields entirely (no read-only option), offering an airtight shield for high-privilege or sensitive accounts.
Having a static password is particularly beneficial for:
- Enhanced Security: Preventing unauthorized password changes reduces risks of account hijacking or brute-force attacks, especially for admins or key users.
- Consistency and Accountability: Locked passwords maintain user identity integrity, crucial for tracking and auditing in organizations or secure systems.
- Compliance with Policies: Many organizations require stable credentials for policy adherence, ensuring passwords align with governance or legal standards.
- Preventing Abuse: It stops users from weakening security (e.g., choosing weak passwords) or gaming systems, maintaining trust on controlled sites.
- Simplified Administration: Reduces the need for manual oversight, minimizing errors and saving time for IT teams managing large user bases.
User - Static Password is lightweight, intuitive, and reflects my commitment to modern, community-driven solutions.
The Whole Static Family of Plugins:
- User - Static Password (this plugin)
- User - Static Email
- User - Static Name
Features
- Group-Based Restrictions: Prevent password changes for specific user groups with simple configuration.
- Complete Field Hiding: Removes password fields from profile edits, blocking all changes and submissions.
- Seamless Integration: Prevents form data manipulation, ensuring robust security within Joomla’s framework.
- Legacy-Inspired: Updated from a Joomla 1.5 predecessor, now fully compatible with modern Joomla versions.
Secure your Joomla site’s user management with "User - Static Password"—the reliable, user-friendly solution for password control. Ready to protect your accounts?
Download the Plugin
User - Static Password 5.0.42620
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does the User - Static Password plugin do?
The plugin prevents users in selected Joomla user groups from changing their passwords. It hides password fields in profile edit forms and blocks password submissions, ensuring static credentials for enhanced security and control.
Which Joomla versions is the plugin compatible with?
User - Static Password is compatible with Joomla 3, Joomla 4, and Joomla 5, ensuring seamless integration with modern Joomla platforms.
How do I install the plugin?
Download the plugin from the RicheyWeb website by searching for "StaticPassword." In your Joomla administrator panel, navigate to Extensions > Manage > Install, select the "Upload Package File" tab, choose the downloaded file, and click "Upload & Install." Then, enable the plugin in the Plugin Manager.
How do I configure the plugin?
After enabling the plugin in the Joomla Plugin Manager, go to its settings and select the user groups you want to restrict from changing passwords under the "Restricted Groups" option. Save your settings, and the restrictions will apply immediately.
Can I apply the restriction to multiple user groups?
Yes, you can select multiple user groups by holding the CTRL (Windows) or Command (Mac) key while choosing groups in the plugin’s configuration settings.
What happens when a restricted user tries to change their password?
Users in restricted groups won’t see password fields in their profile edit form. Even if someone attempts to submit password data by modifying the form, the plugin blocks such submissions for robust security.
Why would I want to prevent password changes?
Preventing password changes enhances security for sensitive accounts (e.g., admins), ensures compliance with organizational policies, maintains user identity integrity, and reduces the risk of unauthorized access or weak password choices.
Is there a read-only option for password fields?
No, unlike the companion "Static Email" plugin, User - Static Password completely hides password fields for restricted users, ensuring no changes can be made.
Does the plugin affect all users on my Joomla site?
No, the plugin only restricts password changes for the user groups you select in the configuration. Other users can still manage their passwords as usual.
Is the plugin secure against form tampering?
Yes, the plugin prevents password submissions within form data, ensuring that even tech-savvy users cannot bypass restrictions by manipulating the form.
Can I use this plugin on a membership or intranet site? Answer: Absolutely! The plugin is ideal for membership sites
Absolutely! The plugin is ideal for membership sites, private intranets, or any Joomla site where maintaining stable, secure credentials for specific users is critical.
How does this plugin differ from its Joomla 1.5 predecessor?
This is a modernized version of a legacy Joomla 1.5 extension, updated for compatibility with Joomla 3, 4, and 5. It includes improved security features, seamless integration, and a user-friendly configuration process.
Where can I find the plugin documentation?
Documentation is available on the RicheyWeb website. Search for "StaticPassword" at http://www.richeyweb.com to locate the detailed guide.
What if I need to allow a restricted user to change their password?
An administrator can temporarily remove the user from the restricted group in Joomla’s User Manager, allow the password change, and then reassign them to the restricted group.
Is the plugin lightweight and easy to use?
Yes, User - Static Password is lightweight, with minimal impact on site performance, and its simple configuration makes it easy for administrators to set up and manage.
