Passwords are the keys to our online existence in the current digital era. We use them to access our online banking, social media, email, and other services. Sadly, the increased password usage has also made it simpler for hackers to access our personal data. For this reason, it's crucial to approach password management strategically.
Password management is an important Identity and Access Management (IAM) component. IAM is a set of processes, policies, and tools for defining and managing the roles and access privileges of individual network entities (users and devices) to various applications.
Implementing various best practices is required for IAM password management to ensure that guessing passwords is challenging for hackers. The following are some essential components of a successful IAM password management program:
- Complexity of the Password: Strong, challenging passwords should be used. Mixed upper and lowercase letters, numerals, and special characters should be enforced. A minimum of 12 characters should be required for every password.
- Password Rotation: It is advisable to change passwords frequently. Therefore, users should be required to update their passwords regularly. Doing so protects sensitive data from unauthorized access to the applications or systems.
- Password Storage: Passwords should be securely stored by keeping them in an encrypted database. It should ensure that passwords are never stored in plaintext and use strong encryption.
- Password Policies: Clear password regulations should be in place throughout organizations. The specifications for password difficulty, rotation, and storage should be included in these regulations. The policy should include details like the number of incorrect password attempts allowed, no re-use of last N passwords, and the password should avoid specific words depending on the application.
Implementing a password management system as part of your Identity and Access Management (IAM) program is crucial in today's digital world. It helps organizations to protect sensitive information, reduce the risk of data breaches, and ensure that only authorized users have access to critical applications and data. Organizations can significantly improve their security posture by following best practices such as password complexity, rotation, and storage. So, don't let your passwords be the weakest link in your security chain.
Identity Fusion partners with leading organizations across the United States, offering invaluable expertise in steering them through the complexities and subtleties of establishing a resilient IAM framework. This empowers them to fortify their security posture and enhance operational efficiency. Reach out to us today to elevate your organization's performance.
