Source URL: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/24/09/27/0021240/nist-proposes-barring-some-of-the-most-nonsensical-password-rules?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: NIST Proposes Barring Some of the Most Nonsensical Password Rules
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Summary: The text discusses NIST’s latest public draft of SP 800-63-4, which updates Digital Identity Guidelines. It emphasizes new password practices, eliminating outdated requirements such as periodic password changes and composition rules, aiming to enhance security for organizations interacting with the federal government.
Detailed Description: The reported NIST draft of SP 800-63-4 introduces significant changes to the Digital Identity Guidelines, reflecting a more modern understanding of password security and authentication practices. The document addresses the shortcomings in historical password management strategies and outlines several critical requirements for organizations to ensure compliance and improve security.
Key Highlights:
– **Elimination of Outdated Practices**:
– **No Periodic Password Changes**: The draft removes the long-standing requirement for users to change passwords at frequent intervals. It argues this practice often leads to weaker passwords, as users select simpler passwords for convenience.
– **Removed Composition Rules**: The guidelines prohibit the application of character composition rules (e.g., requiring a mix of different character types), supporting that when passwords are long and complex, such restrictions are unnecessary and may lead to reduced security.
– **New Password Requirements**:
– **Minimum Lengths**: Passwords must be a minimum of eight characters and should be at least 15 characters in length.
– **Maximum Lengths**: Allow passwords up to 64 characters.
– **Character Acceptance**: Guidelines encourage accepting all printing ASCII characters, spaces, and Unicode characters, significantly expanding the type of passwords users can create.
– **Security Practices for Password Maintenance**:
– No prompts for using knowledge-based authentication (e.g., pet names).
– Verification of the entire password without truncation.
– Prohibition against storing password hints accessible to unauthenticated claimants.
– Mandatory password changes should only occur if there is evidence of compromise.
These guideline updates mark a transition towards a more user-friendly yet secure approach to digital identity management. Compliance will become mandatory for organizations dealing with the government, necessitating a reassessment of current practices.
The implications of these changes for security and compliance professionals include:
– A shift in focus towards password complexity and resilience, rather than reliance on frequent changes.
– The need to adjust internal policies and systems to comply with the new NIST guidelines.
– An opportunity to educate users on the importance of creating long, unique passwords without the burden of complicated composition rules.
– Potential improvements in overall security posture due to heightened user engagement and compliance with stronger, more intuitive password standards.
Overall, the new NIST draft aligns with modern security perspectives and addresses legacy practices that may inadvertently compromise digital security.