Password Policies That Do Not Meet or Exceed the AWS CIS Foundations Benchmark Standard

Overview

Password policies are crucial for securing access to IT resources. Weak policies can lead to compromised accounts, resulting in unauthorized access and potential data breaches. This document outlines the characteristics of password policies that do not meet or exceed the AWS Center for Internet Security (CIS) Foundations Benchmark standards, highlighting the risks and providing recommendations for IT and Security Engineers to enhance their security posture.

Characteristics of Inadequate Password Policies

Password policies that fail to meet the AWS CIS Benchmark standards typically exhibit several key weaknesses:

1. Minimum Password Length: Less than 14 characters. Shorter passwords are easier to crack using brute force or dictionary attacks.

2. Password Complexity Requirements: Lack of requirements for a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This makes passwords susceptible to simpler guesswork and common password attacks.

3. Password Expiry: No mandatory password expiration or overly lengthy expiration periods. Stale passwords increase the risk of exposure and misuse over time.

4. Password History: Minimal or no enforcement of password history. This allows users to reuse old passwords, which can be risky if those passwords have been compromised.

5. Account Lockout Mechanisms: Inadequate or non-existent account lockout policies after several failed login attempts, leaving accounts vulnerable to brute force attacks.

Risks Associated with Non-Compliant Password Policies

Non-compliant password policies can significantly increase the risk of security incidents:

• Easier Credential Compromise: Weaker passwords can be more easily guessed or cracked.

• Increased Risk of Data Breaches: Compromised credentials are a common attack vector for data breaches.

• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Failing to adhere to recognized standards such as AWS CIS may result in compliance issues and potential legal implications.

Recommendations for IT and Security Engineers

To mitigate these risks and align with the AWS CIS Foundations Benchmark, IT and Security Engineers should consider implementing the following practices:

1. Enforce Strong Password Policies: Set minimum password lengths of at least 14 characters and require a combination of different character types.

2. Regularly Update Password Policies: Adapt password policies based on new security research and emerging threat patterns.

3. Implement Robust Account Lockout Policies: Configure account lockout after a predefined number of unsuccessful attempts to deter brute force attacks.

4. Audit and Monitor Password Compliance: Regularly audit password policies against the AWS CIS Benchmark and monitor compliance across the organization.

Conclusion

Ensuring that password policies meet or exceed the AWS CIS Foundations Benchmark is essential for maintaining a robust security framework. By addressing the weaknesses outlined above, IT and Security Engineers can significantly enhance the security of their cloud environments.