EverestMSS Cybersecurity Services

In an age where cyber threats continue to evolve, creating strong passwords is essential to safeguarding personal and business information. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has established guidelines for password security to help individuals and organizations protect against unauthorized access. This article explores the importance of strong passwords and provides tips for creating passwords that are NIST-compliant.

Understanding NIST Password Guidelines

NIST Special Publication 800-63B outlines modern best practices for password creation and management. Key recommendations include:

1. Length Over Complexity – NIST recommends using passwords of at least 8 characters for general use and a minimum of 6 characters for memorized secrets in low-risk scenarios. However, for high-security environments, passwords should be at least 12-16 characters long.
2. Avoid Complexity Requirements – Traditional complexity requirements, such as mandating uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters, are no longer emphasized. Instead, longer passphrases are encouraged.
3. Allow Copy-Pasting and Password Managers – Users should be allowed to copy-paste passwords and use password managers to enhance security and convenience.
4. Screen Against Common Passwords – Passwords should be checked against lists of compromised, commonly used, and easily guessed passwords.
5. No Periodic Expiration – Frequent password changes are discouraged unless there is evidence of a breach.
6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – NIST strongly recommends implementing MFA as an additional layer of security beyond passwords.

Tips for Creating Strong, NIST-Compliant Passwords

To adhere to NIST guidelines and improve security, consider the following best practices:

1. Use Passphrases Instead of Simple Passwords
   • A passphrase is a series of random words or a meaningful yet uncommon phrase. Example: “RiverGreenSunsetTravel2025!”
   • It should be long but easy to remember.
2. Avoid Common and Predictable Passwords
   • Do not use easily guessed words like “password,” “123456,” or “qwerty.”
   • Avoid personal information such as birthdates, names, or pet names.
3. Leverage a Password Manager
   • Password managers generate and store complex passwords securely, reducing the need to remember multiple credentials.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   • Whenever possible, use MFA to add an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
5. Use Unique Passwords for Each Account
   • Reusing passwords across multiple accounts increases the risk of credential stuffing attacks if one account is compromised.
6. Regularly Check for Compromised Passwords
   • Use tools like Have I Been Pwned (https://haveibeenpwned.com/) or built-in security features in password managers to check if your credentials have been exposed in a data breach.

Conclusion

Following NIST guidelines helps ensure that passwords remain secure and effective in protecting sensitive information. By focusing on password length, passphrase usage, and MFA implementation, users can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture. In a world where data breaches are becoming more common, strong password habits are a crucial line of defense.