How to write a bad password policy!

The authentication dilemma

I’ve worked with a lot of organisations over the years and seen lots of ways of doing certain things. Policy implementation is one of those! I’m in a fortunate position where I get to see different people’s policy documents, their systemic implementations and even interview staff to see how these work on the ground. So, I thought I’d write about password policies!

Humans like to be efficient and people also struggle to deal with the huge volume of identify management and authentication solutions they are presented with. Just think, how many passwords are required in everyday life?

Multiple 4-digit PIN codes for debit and credit cards etc.
Online banking sign in credentials (more PINS)
Gym padlock PIN combo (usually 4 characters)
Passwords for home computer
PIN code or password for mobile phone access
Passwords of phrases for telephone services e.g. to access your mobile phone account services
Social media credentials

The list goes on and on! Then let’s add in corporate IT services….

Anyone who’s worked in an office will have seen familiar sites of the following:

Password on post it notes
Password shared with colleagues
Password sellotaped to keyboard (either on top or underneath)
Passwords shouted across the office
Passwords written down on white boards