BTI PSM Server Name Displayed as servername.localdomain After Changing PSM Server IP Address

In the realm of IT and network management, the BTI PSM (Privileged Session Manager) server plays a crucial role in securing and managing privileged access to critical systems. However, administrators may encounter issues with the PSM server name being displayed as “servername.localdomain” after changing the PSM server IP address. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind this issue, its implications, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it.

Understanding the BTI PSM Server

The BTI PSM server is a component of the Privileged Session Manager solution, designed to manage and secure privileged access to sensitive systems and data. It acts as a gateway for administrators to access and manage systems, while also providing real-time monitoring and recording of privileged sessions.

The PSM server relies on a combination of IP addresses, DNS names, and SSL certificates to establish secure connections with clients and target systems. When the PSM server IP address is changed, it can have a ripple effect on the entire system, leading to issues with name resolution and certificate validation.

Causes of the Issue

When the PSM server IP address is changed, the server name may be displayed as “servername.localdomain” due to the following reasons:

• DNS caching: DNS caching can cause the old IP address to be retained in the cache, leading to a mismatch between the new IP address and the server name.
• SSL certificate issues: The SSL certificate may not be updated to reflect the new IP address, causing certificate validation errors and resulting in the display of the server name as “servername.localdomain”.
• PSM server configuration: The PSM server configuration may not be updated to reflect the new IP address, leading to a mismatch between the server name and the IP address.

Implications of the Issue

The display of the PSM server name as “servername.localdomain” can have several implications, including:

• Security risks: The mismatch between the server name and the IP address can create security risks, as it may allow unauthorized access to the system.
• System instability: The issue can cause system instability, as the PSM server may not be able to establish secure connections with clients and target systems.
• Compliance issues: The display of the server name as “servername.localdomain” can also raise compliance issues, as it may not meet regulatory requirements for secure access to sensitive systems and data.

Resolving the Issue

To resolve the issue of the PSM server name being displayed as “servername.localdomain” after changing the PSM server IP address, follow these steps:

Step 1: Update DNS Records

Update the DNS records to reflect the new IP address of the PSM server. This may involve updating the A record, PTR record, and other relevant DNS records.

Step 2: Update SSL Certificates

Update the SSL certificates to reflect the new IP address of the PSM server. This may involve generating a new certificate signing request (CSR) and obtaining a new SSL certificate from a trusted certificate authority.

Step 3: Update PSM Server Configuration

Update the PSM server configuration to reflect the new IP address. This may involve updating the server name, IP address, and other relevant settings in the PSM server configuration file.

Step 4: Restart PSM Server Services

Restart the PSM server services to ensure that the changes take effect. This may involve restarting the PSM server service, as well as other dependent services.

Step 5: Verify PSM Server Name

Verify that the PSM server name is displayed correctly after making the changes. This may involve checking the PSM server console, as well as other system logs and monitoring tools.

Best Practices for PSM Server Management

To avoid issues with the PSM server name being displayed as “servername.localdomain” after changing the PSM server IP address, follow these best practices:

• Regularly update DNS records: Regularly update DNS records to reflect changes to the PSM server IP address.
• Use SSL certificates with subject alternative names: Use SSL certificates with subject alternative names (SANs) to ensure that the certificate is valid for multiple IP addresses and DNS names.
• Monitor PSM server logs: Monitor PSM server logs to detect any issues with name resolution and certificate validation.
• Test PSM server connectivity: Test PSM server connectivity after making changes to the PSM server IP address to ensure that the system is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

The display of the PSM server name as “servername.localdomain” after changing the PSM server IP address can be a complex issue with significant implications for security, system stability, and compliance. By understanding the causes of the issue and following the steps outlined in this article, administrators can resolve the issue and ensure that the PSM server is functioning correctly. By following best practices for PSM server management, administrators can also avoid similar issues in the future and ensure the security and stability of the system.