Rule: Password policies for IAM users should have strong configurations

Password Policies for IAM Users: Strong Configurations for General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Overview

Password Policy Requirements

2. 1.
   Password Complexity: Enforce the use of complex passwords that are difficult to guess. A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters should be mandatory.
4. 2.
   Password Length: Set a minimum password length of at least 8 characters or more to prevent easily guessable passwords.
6. 3.
   Password Expiration: Implement password expiration periods to encourage regular password changes. This minimizes the risk of password brute-forcing or unauthorized access due to compromised passwords.
8. 4.
   Password History: Keep track of previously used passwords to ensure users do not reuse them. This prevents users from cycling through a small pool of passwords and enhances overall security.
10. 5.
    Account Lockout: Implement mechanisms to lock user accounts temporarily after multiple failed login attempts. This prevents brute-force attacks and unauthorized access attempts.
12. 6.
    Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Encourage or enforce the use of MFA to add an extra layer of security to user accounts. This is particularly important for privileged accounts and accessing sensitive data.
14. 7.
    Password Storage: Store passwords securely using strong encryption methods. Avoid storing passwords in plain text or weakly encrypted formats to prevent potential data breaches.

Troubleshooting Steps (if applicable)

2. 1.
   Review Existing Policy: Analyze the existing password policy to identify any conflicting or outdated settings that may hinder compliance.
4. 2.
   Communicate with Users: Clearly communicate the new password policy requirements to all IAM users to ensure compliance and minimize confusion or resistance.
6. 3.
   Provide User Education: Offer training or resources to help users understand the importance of strong passwords and the rationale behind the new policy.
8. 4.
   Use available IAM Tools: Leverage the available features and tools provided by your IAM system to enforce the password policy effectively.
10. 5.
    Monitor and Audit: Regularly review the system logs and user activity to detect any non-compliant behavior or potential security risks.

Implementation Guide

2. 1.
   Log in to the IAM system as an administrator.
4. 2.
   Navigate to the "Password Policy" or similar settings section.
6. 3.
   Set the minimum password length to at least 8 characters.
8. 4.
   Enable password complexity requirements by enforcing at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character.
10. 5.
    Specify the maximum password age or expiration period based on your organization's security policies. Commonly, a period of 90 days is recommended.
12. 6.
    Enable password history tracking and specify the number of unique passwords users must use before being allowed to reuse an old password. A value of 5 is commonly used.
14. 7.
    Configure account lockout settings to temporarily lock user accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts to mitigate brute-force attacks. Commonly, a lockout threshold of 5 failed attempts with a lockout duration of 15 minutes is used.
16. 8.
    Encourage or enforce the use of MFA for all IAM user accounts.
18. 9.
    Ensure that passwords are stored securely using strong encryption methods. Avoid storing passwords in plain text or weakly encrypted formats.
20. 10.
    Save the changes and perform thorough testing to ensure the new password policy is functioning as expected.
22. 11.
    Communicate the updated password policy to all IAM users and provide any necessary training or resources to assist them in complying with the policy.