Final answer:
To prevent a user from being locked out, implement balanced account lockout policies and provide clear password guidelines. If a lockout occurs, an administrator can manually unlock the account, or the user can use self-service tools if available. IT support should be prepared with secure protocols to handle such situations promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
To stop a user from being locked out of the system, you generally need to address this from two angles: preventative measures and resolution steps once a lockdown has occurred. For the preventative side, ensuring that the system has clear password policies that are not too aggressive can help. Additionally, implementing account lockout policies that provide a balance between security and usability is key. For example, after a certain number of failed login attempts, the account may only be locked for a specific duration before automatically unlocking, or you could require a captcha after a few failed attempts, which can prevent automated attacks without locking out users.
If a user does become locked out, typically an administrator can unlock the account manually. In some systems, users can also unlock their account by using self-service password reset tools, provided they have set this up beforehand. For organizations, it's often useful to equip the IT support team with tools and protocols to handle lockout situations swiftly to reduce downtime for the user. It's important to ensure that these steps are secure to prevent unauthorized access.