The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a new perspective on password management policies, recognizing that many of the traditional practices used to ensure the security of login credentials are no longer effective.
Suggested practices to eliminate include not requiring periodic changes to passwords, reducing restrictions on special characters, and stopping the use of security questions for account recovery.
This change in approach results from the realization that complex credentials do not always guarantee security. In fact, complexity makes users opt for predictable and easy-to-guess passwords, whether by writing them in inaccessible places or reusing them across different accounts.
NIST has adjusted its strategy accordingly, now prioritizing credential length. Longer passwords are more difficult to crack through brute force attacks and are often easier to remember without becoming predictable.
Passwords: Simplicity that makes it easier for users to join
The recommendation is that credential service providers (CSPs) should currently require passwords with a minimum of eight characters, although it mentions that the ideal is to have one with a minimum of 15 characters.
These changes mark the beginning of a new mindset in credential management, where simplicity and ease of use take priority over unnecessary complexity. Instead of overwhelming the user with complicated rules, the goal is to reduce common errors and promote more accessible security. This new approach highlights how a good security strategy can complement a simpler, more efficient user experience.
Following this new approach, it is essential to find solutions that strengthen security and minimize user friction. Passwords, although they remain a fundamental component, can no longer serve as the only defense in an environment where threats are increasingly sophisticated. This change in approach leads us to consider technologies that provide an additional layer of protection without complicating the user experience.
One of these technologies is the monitoring of compromised credentials. This solution warns users if passwords or sensitive data are exposed on the dark web and alerts administrators or affected users, allowing them to take quick action, such as immediately changing compromised credentials.
In turn, multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of protection beyond credentials, combining verification methods such as one-time passwords, biometric data or push notifications to prevent unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised. Advanced MFA solutions enable integration with mobile devices, facilitating secure, one-click verification and reducing barriers to access without compromising security.
By combining passwords, credential monitoring and MFA, the protection of digital identities is significantly improved, all without increasing the complexity of the user experience.
The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve towards a more practical approach, where protecting digital identities does not involve unnecessary complexity. The new NIST guidelines are a clear example of this change. Technologies that combine simplicity and robustness demonstrate that it is possible to maintain high security standards without affecting the user experience. As threats continue to increase, these solutions will be key to ensuring that security does not become an obstacle and that both companies and individuals are better protected.
This article was written by WatchGuard for Pplware
Source: pplware.sapo.pt
