Description:
Organizations recognize the critical role of strong and secure passwords in safeguarding sensitive information. To ensure the integrity of user access and protect against unauthorized access, the organization has established and implemented comprehensive procedures for creating, changing, and safeguarding passwords. This initiative aims to promote password hygiene, reduce the risk of unauthorized access, and foster a secure cybersecurity environment. Comprehensive procedures are developed for creating, changing, and safeguarding passwords, outlining the specific steps, guidelines, and best practices for users. All users, from employees to administrators, receive comprehensive training on the established procedures, emphasizing the importance of password security. Clear standards for password complexity, including minimum length, use of uppercase and lowercase characters, numbers, and special characters.
Established guidelines for regular password changes to mitigate the risk of compromised credentials over time. Procedures for safeguarding stored passwords, emphasizing encryption and secure storage practices to prevent unauthorized access.
Encouragement and, where applicable, mandatory implementation of multi-factor authentication to enhance password security. Well-defined procedures for password recovery, ensuring that the process aligns with security best practices and verification of user identity. Implementation of monitoring mechanisms and audit trails to track password-related activities and detect any suspicious changes or unauthorized access.
Priority: High
Category: Password Security and Management
Services Associated with AWS:
- N/A (This requirement is typically not specific to cloud services and focuses on internal password management processes.)
Services Associated with Azure:
- N/A (This requirement is typically not specific to cloud services and may apply to internal workforce management systems)
Objective Evidence:
- Administrative: Documented procedures for creating, changing, and safeguarding passwords.
- Training: Records of user training on password security procedures.
- Technical: Audit trails and logs of password-related activities.
- Incident Response: Documentation of incident response procedures for compromised passwords.
Possible Technology Considerations:
- Password Management Tools
- Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) Solutions
- User Authentication Platforms:
- User Awareness Platforms:
What Needs to Be Answered:
- To what extent do users comply with established password complexity standards and change requirements?
- How effective is the implementation of multi-factor authentication in enhancing password security?
- How quickly and effectively does the organization respond to security incidents related to compromised passwords?
- How impactful are user awareness campaigns in reinforcing password security best practices and reducing security risks?
- How well do password management tools and authentication solutions integrate into the organization's workflows?