Re: Minimum password requirements

[Pete Hunt <lists () ninjafriendly com>]

Randall M Gunning wrote:
> I am working on implementing some minimum standards for our department. I am
> wondering what the list thinks of these standards:
>
> a. Passwords must be changed at least every 90 days.
> b. Passwords cannot be changed for at least 14 days.
> c. Previous passwords cannot be reused (at least the last 10).
> d. User ids and passwords are "owned" by an individual and must not be
> shared with others 
d-1. or written down on post-its attached to <insert obvious place>
> e. User accounts that have not been accessed (i.e. logged in to) for 30 days
> will be deactivated.  

I deactivate accounts if users are going on hols / business trips, then 
reactivate on return.  Is this for a .edu or similar?  Just wondering 
about the 30-day non-use.

> f. Inactive user accounts will be deleted after 14 days.

If the user has officially left the organisation, accounts should be 
deactivated the day they leave, archive home dirs and email and then 
delete accounts.

g. enforce basic password complexity - (10 character minimum - numbers, 
letters and non-alphanumeric)
h. the same passwords shouldn't be used for different systems without 
some other form of authentication.  (accounting dept shouldn't use 
standard logon p/w for payroll database etc).
i. Make users sign usage policy, make sure they understand it and ensure 
breaches of policy have (at least some) consequences.

Pete

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