Action Required: Preparing for ServiceNow's Review Basic Authentication Security Restrictions

[BhavaniYamsani]

ServiceNow is rolling out enhanced security controls to restrict Basic Authentication access across customer instances. These changes are designed to improve platform security and reduce the risks associated with legacy authentication methods.
Administrators should review their environments and assess any integrations, service accounts, or API users currently relying on Basic Authentication. If your instance displays the notification "Action Required: Review Basic Authentication Account Security," it is recommended that action be taken before future restrictions impact existing integrations.
What Is Changing?
ServiceNow has introduced additional controls to govern Basic Authentication usage. Organizations are encouraged to review current authentication practices and transition toward more secure authentication methods where possible.
Key Areas to Review
Basic Authentication Access Role
ServiceNow has introduced the sno_basic_auth_api_access role to provide more granular control over Basic Authentication access.
Recommended actions:
• Identify users and integrations that require Basic Authentication.
• Assign the sno_basic_auth_api_access role only to approved accounts.
• Apply the principle of least privilege when granting access.
• Periodically review role assignments to ensure ongoing compliance.
Review Existing Basic Authentication Usage
Many organizations continue to maintain legacy integrations that rely on Basic Authentication.
Recommended actions:
• Audit all API users and integration accounts.
• Remove Basic Authentication access where it is no longer required.
• Identify unused or inactive service accounts.
• Consider migrating supported integrations to OAuth or other modern authentication methods.
Update Service Accounts
For dedicated integration and web service accounts, ServiceNow recommends updating the Identity Type to Machine.
Recommended actions:
• Review all service and integration accounts.
• Set Identity Type to Machine where appropriate.
• Document account ownership and business justification.
• Establish periodic reviews for machine accounts.
Understand Default System Behavior
The property glide.authenticate.basic_auth.restriction.default_decision currently preserves existing login behavior by default. However, organizations should use this period to prepare for future security enhancements and reduced reliance on Basic Authentication.
Security Best Practices
To strengthen your overall security posture:
• Maintain an inventory of all integrations using Basic Authentication.
• Implement OAuth wherever supported.
• Review and validate service account permissions regularly.
• Enforce governance and ownership for machine identities.
• Monitor ServiceNow product communications and release notes for future updates.
• Remove unnecessary authentication exceptions whenever possible.
Benefits of Taking Action Early
Organizations that proactively review their environments can:
• Reduce security risks associated with legacy authentication methods.
• Improve compliance with security and governance standards.
• Minimize the likelihood of integration disruptions.
• Better prepare for future platform security enhancements.
• Strengthen overall identity and access management practices.
Conclusion
The move toward stricter Basic Authentication controls represents an important step in ServiceNow's ongoing security strategy. By reviewing existing integrations, assigning appropriate access roles, updating service accounts, and planning a transition toward modern authentication methods, organizations can improve security while ensuring business continuity.
Have you started reviewing Basic Authentication users and integrations? Share your experiences, lessons learned, and best practices with me and community.

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Yamsani Bhavani

ServiceNow Developer - SecOps, GRC, Custom Applications