Password Construction Guidelines
1.0 Purpose
Passwords are a criticalfundamental component of information security.security, Passwordsacting serveas the first line of defense for user accounts, systems, and data. Weak or easily guessable passwords significantly increase the risk of unauthorized access and compromise. The purpose of these guidelines is to protectprovide user accounts; however, a poorly constructed password may result in the compromise of individual systems, data, or network. This guideline providesclear best practices for creating and managing strong, secure passwords.passwords and passphrases to protect individual users and organizational assets.
The2.0 purposeScope
These guidelines isapply to provide best practices for the created of strong passwords.
This guideline applies toall employees, contractors, consultants, temporary staff, vendors, agents, and other workers, including all personnel affiliated with third parties.parties, Thiswho guidelineare appliesgranted access to organizational systems or data. They apply to all passwords used for authentication, including but not limited to user-level accounts, system-level accounts,accounts (where applicable), web application accounts, e-mailemail accounts, screen saver protection,locks, voicemail,voicemail access, network device logins, and localany routerother logins.system requiring password authentication within the organizational context.
3.0 Guideline Statements: Creating Strong Passwords and Passphrases
To enhance security, all passwords arecreated long,and used for organizational accounts should adhere to the morefollowing charactersprinciples:
3.1 haveLength:
* stronger**Minimum theLength:** password.Passwords Weshould recommendbe significantly long to resist brute-force attacks. A minimum length of **14 characters** is strongly recommended for all new passwords. Longer is generally better.
* **Passphrases Encouraged:** Using **passphrases** (multiple words forming a minimummemorable ofphrase) 14 characters in your password. In addition, weis highly encourageencouraged. theExamples: use`"ItsTime4MyVaca!"`, of`"Block-Curious-Sunny-L3aves"`. passphrases, passwords made up of multiple words. Examples include “It’s time for vacation” or “block-curious-sunny-leaves”. Passphrases arecan bothbe easyeasier to remember and type,type yetwhile meetmeeting length and complexity requirements.
3.2 Complexity and Content:
* Passwords should ideally incorporate a mix of character types (uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, symbols). However, length is the strengthmost requirements.critical factor. Poor,A long passphrase without complex substitutions is often stronger than a short, complex password.
* **Avoid Weak Content:** Passwords **must not** contain easily guessable information or weak,predictable passwordspatterns. haveAvoid:
* Personal information (names of family, pets, friends; birthdates; addresses; phone numbers; usernames; real words directly related to you or the followingorganization).
characteristics:
Common
keyboardContainpatterns eight(e.g., `qwerty`, `asdfgh`, `12345678`).
* Repeating characters or less.simple sequences (e.g., `aaaaaa`, `111111`, `abcde`).
* Commonly used default or weak passwords (e.g., `Password123`, `Welcome1`, `Changeme`).
* Dictionary words spelled forwards or backward.
Contain3.3 Uniqueness:
* **Unique Passwords:** Each account (work-related or personal informationaccounts suchaccessed as birthdates, addresses, phone numbers, or names of family members, pets, friends, and fantasy characters.
Contain number patterns such as aaabbb, qwerty, zyxwvuts, or 123321.
Are some version of “Welcome123” “Password123” “Changeme123”
In addition, everyvia work accountdevices/networks) should have a different, **unique password.password**. ToReusing enablepasswords usersacross todifferent maintainservices multipledramatically passwords,increases werisk; highlyif encourageone account is compromised, others using the same password become vulnerable.
4.0 Tools and Best Practices for Password Management
4.1 Password Managers:
* Creating and remembering unique, strong passwords for every account is challenging. The use of ‘organization-approved **password manager’manager software thatsoftware** is authorizedhighly encouraged. These tools securely store complex passwords and providedcan byhelp generate strong, random ones, requiring you only to remember one strong master password for the organization.manager itself. Whenever possible, also enable theOnly use ofpassword multi-factormanagers authentication.
Compliance Measurement
The Precision Computer team will verify compliance to this policy through various methods, including but not limited to, periodic walk-thrus, video monitoring, business tool reports, internalvetted and external audits, and feedback to the policy owner.
Any exception to the policy must be approved by the designated IT authority (e.g., Precision Computer).
4.2 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
* Passwords alone are often insufficient. Wherever possible, **Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)** must be enabled on accounts. MFA adds a crucial layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (e.g., a code from a mobile app, a text message, a hardware token) in addition to the password.
5.0 Compliance
5.1 Compliance Measurement:
While specific password content is not typically audited directly for privacy reasons, compliance with password *policies* (enforced by system settings like minimum length and complexity) and these *guidelines* (through training and awareness) will be assessed. The designated IT authority (e.g., Precision Computer teamteam) inmay advance.verify compliance through system configuration checks, security audits, monitoring for weak password usage where detectable, and user awareness programs.
An5.2 employeeExceptions:
System-level constraints may occasionally prevent adherence to havethe violatedideal thislength policyrecommendation. Any exceptions to enforced password policies require justification and approval from the designated IT authority (e.g., Precision Computer team).
5.3 Responsibility:
Users are responsible for creating passwords consistent with these guidelines and for protecting their passwords from disclosure. Violations of enforced password policies may be subjectlead to account lockout or disciplinary action,action.
6.0 Definitions
* **Password:** A secret string of characters used to andauthenticate includinga terminationuser to a system or service.
* **Passphrase:** A sequence of employment.words or other text used as a password, typically longer and potentially easier to remember than complex character strings.
* **Password Manager:** Software designed to securely store and manage user passwords for various accounts.
* **Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):** A security process requiring users to provide two or more different authentication factors to verify their identity (e.g., something they know [password], something they have [token/phone], something they are [biometric]).
* Password Policy (which defines mandatory requirements like minimum length, history, expiration)
* Acceptable Use Policy
* Information Security Policy (Overall)
* Remote Access Policy