10 Password Policy Best Practices for SOC 2 Compliance

by Endgrate Team 2024-10-26 23 min read

Bad passwords lead to data breaches. Here's what you need to know:

Core Password Requirements Standard
Minimum Length 12 characters
Password Changes Every 90 days
Failed Login Attempts 3 before lockout
MFA Required for all users
Password History Last 6 passwords blocked

Here are the 10 critical practices you must implement:

  1. Set strong password rules (12+ chars, mixed characters)
  2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  3. Use password management tools
  4. Set account lockout rules
  5. Track password history
  6. Set up access levels
  7. Check passwords automatically
  8. Create password reset steps
  9. Manage user sessions
  10. Track password rule compliance

Why this matters: 80% of hacking-related breaches happen because of weak or stolen passwords. The average breach costs $3.86 million.

Quick facts:

  • A 12-character password takes 200+ years to crack
  • MFA blocks 99.9% of account hacks
  • Users reuse passwords 13 times on average
  • 81% of breaches start with compromised passwords
Tool Type Purpose Must-Have Features
Password Manager Secure storage AES 256-bit encryption, MFA
Access Control User permissions Role-based controls, logs
Monitoring Security checks Breach alerts, compliance reports
Session Manager Login control Timeouts, forced logouts

This guide shows exactly how to implement these practices to meet SOC 2 requirements and protect your systems.

SOC 2 Password Rules: The Basics

SOC 2 password rules come from the AICPA's Trust Services Criteria (TSC). Here's what you need to know:

TSC Section Focus Area Key Requirements
CC6.1 Access Security - Password length: 12+ characters
- Mix of upper/lowercase, numbers, symbols
- Regular password changes
CC6.2 User Management - User registration process
- Access removal for inactive users
- Password history tracking
CC6.3 Access Control - Role-based access limits
- Account lockout rules
- Failed login attempt limits

Let's break down the main password requirements:

Password Structure

  • At least 12 characters long
  • Mix uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Include numbers and special characters
  • Skip common dictionary words

Time Limits and History

  • New password every 90 days
  • Can't use your last 6 passwords
  • Account locks after 3 failed tries

Managing Access

  • Define clear user roles
  • Cut off access when people leave
  • Keep logs of password changes

Here's why these rules matter: Verizon's 2020 report shows that 80% of data breaches start with weak passwords. And Microsoft's data tells us that 99% of account hacks target users who don't follow proper password rules.

Metric Value
Min Password Length 12 characters
Password Change Frequency Every 90 days
Password History Last 6 passwords
Failed Login Attempts 3 before lockout
Password Recovery Time 200+ years (with proper complexity)

SOC 2 doesn't hand you a strict password rulebook. Instead, it points you toward security best practices. Your job? Pick the right mix of these rules for your company's needs while keeping your data locked down tight.

Password Rules for SOC 2

Here's what you need to know about SOC 2 password requirements:

Requirement Minimum Standard Best Practice
Length 8 characters 12-15 characters
Maximum Length 64 characters 64 characters
Character Types ASCII characters ASCII + Unicode (including spaces and emojis)
Failed Attempts 3 tries before lockout 3 tries before lockout
Password Age 90 days 90 days
History Check Last 6 passwords Last 6 passwords

Here's the thing about passwords: LENGTH BEATS COMPLEXITY.

NIST now says to focus on length first. Why? A 12-character password takes about 200 years to crack - even if someone's making 1 trillion guesses per second.

And here's something that might surprise you: You don't need to force users to mix uppercase, lowercase, and special characters anymore. Instead:

  • Let them use spaces
  • Allow emojis and Unicode
  • Set an 8-12 character minimum
  • Support password managers

The numbers don't lie: Verizon found that 80% of hacking-related breaches start with weak passwords.

Want some password examples that actually work?

  • "Teal-cashback-please-today"
  • "correct horse battery staple"
  • "P@$w0rd" (but longer is better)

Bottom line: These password rules aren't just for show. They're your first line of defense. Get them right, and you'll stop most attacks before they even start.

2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA stops 99.9% of account hacks, according to Microsoft. That's why it's your strongest defense after passwords.

Here's what MFA looks like in action:

Factor Type Examples How It Works
Something you know Password, PIN User enters information
Something you have Phone, USB key User confirms possession
Something you are Fingerprint, Face ID User provides biometric data
Location-based IP address, GPS System checks user location

For SOC 2, you need two factors minimum. Most teams go with:

  • A password
  • A phone app (like Google Authenticator)
  • Sometimes biometrics for extra-sensitive stuff

Want to know what it costs? Here's the breakdown:

Tool Free Tier Paid Starting Price
Cisco Duo Up to 10 users $3/user/month
Auth0 Up to 7,000 users $35/month (500 users)
LastPass No $4/user/month
ManageEngine Up to 10 users Custom pricing

Here's how to get started:

  • Choose your MFA tool based on budget
  • Start with admin accounts
  • Create simple user guides
  • Set up backup options
  • Monitor failed attempts

Here's the bottom line: SOC 2 requires MFA. Your auditor will check for it. And with Duo Security processing over 1 billion MFA checks each month, it's clear this isn't just a trend - it's the new normal for business security.

Quick tip: Start simple with password + authenticator app. You can always add more layers later for sensitive data.

3. Use Password Management Tools

A password manager helps you meet SOC 2 requirements. Here's what top tools offer in 2024:

Tool Starting Price Key Features Best For
Keeper $2/user/month Zero-trust setup, SOC compliance Large enterprises
1Password $7.99/user/month MFA, admin controls Mid-size teams
Dashlane $8/user/month Dark web checks, cross-platform Remote teams
Bitwarden $6/user/month Open-source code, strong encryption Budget-conscious
Zoho Vault $7.20/user/month Role controls, secure sharing IT teams

Want to pick the right password manager? Look for these SOC 2 features:

  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • LDAP/directory sync
  • Access logs
  • Role controls

Then lock down these settings:

  • No password copying
  • Block TOTP seed exports
  • Company email domain links
  • Disable browser password saves

"The entity implements logical access security software, infrastructure, and architectures over protected information assets to protect them from security events to meet the entity's objectives."

CC6.1 SOC 2 requirement

Here's the thing: Microsoft found that people reuse the same password 13 times across different apps. That's a HUGE security risk. A password manager fixes this by creating different passwords for each service.

"1Password will alert you if company email addresses and associated passwords have been compromised by any vendor data breaches."

Nikesh Ashar, Quality Assurance lead at Cledara

Ready to get started? Here's what to do:

  1. Pick a tool that matches your company size and budget
  2. Start with your exec team and IT admins
  3. Create user groups and sharing rules
  4. Test your policies
  5. Roll out to everyone else

That's it. No fancy stuff - just solid password security that works.

4. Set Account Lockout Rules

Here's how to set up account lockouts that stop brute-force attacks in 2024:

Setting Standard Value High Security Notes
Failed Attempts 5-6 3 Before lockout
Lockout Duration 30-60 mins Admin unlock only Auto vs manual reset
Reset Counter 15-30 mins N/A Time to clear failed attempts
Session Timeout 15 mins 10 mins Auto-logout after inactivity

Let's break down the key lockout settings for SOC 2:

1. Failed Login Threshold

Pick 3-6 failed attempts. Here's why: More attempts = security risk. Fewer attempts = too many support tickets.

2. Lockout Duration

Go with 30-60 minutes. Skip the admin-only unlock unless you've got round-the-clock IT support.

3. Counter Reset

Set it under 30 minutes (but lower than your lockout time). This helps users who make honest mistakes but wait before trying again.

Want a smarter approach? Try this stepped lockout system:

Failure Stage Action Duration
First 3 attempts Warning only None
Next 3 attempts Soft lock 5 minutes
Beyond 6 attempts Hard lock 30 minutes

Make your lockouts better:

  • Display failed attempt counts at login
  • Keep logs of every lockout
  • Set up IP-based lockout alerts
  • Add MFA to cut down on lockouts

Quick note: PCI DSS wants max 6 attempts and 30-minute lockouts. SOC 2 doesn't give exact numbers but needs clear policies.

For Active Directory users: Set these up in Group Policy at Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Account Policies\Account Lockout Policy.

5. Track Password History

Here's how to stop users from reusing old passwords:

Setting Standard High Security Notes
Previous Passwords 10 24 Number of old passwords blocked
Minimum Age 1 day 3 days Time before allowing changes
Maximum Age 365 days 180 days Time before required change
History Duration 6 months 12 months How long to store old passwords

Users LOVE to reuse passwords. But here's the thing: letting them do that puts your organization at risk.

That's why you need these 4 basic rules:

  1. Block at least 10 previous passwords
  2. Make users wait 1 day between changes
  3. Compare new passwords with breach lists
  4. Keep password history for 6+ months minimum

"Password reuse is an important concern in any organization, which is why it's important to track previously used passwords to make it impossible for users to use the same password over and over again."

Payam Pourkhomami, President & CEO, OSIbeyond

Users try these sneaky password tricks:

Trick Example How to Stop It
Number Changes Password1, Password2 Pattern matching
Character Swaps P@ssword, P@$$word Similar character detection
Minor Edits MyPass123!, MyPass123@ Edit distance checks
Quick Changes Multiple changes in one day Minimum age policy

Setting Up in Active Directory:

Go to Group Policy and find:

  • Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Password Policy
  • Set "Enforce Password History" to 10+
  • Turn on "Minimum Password Age" (1+ days)

What Actually Works:

Don't make users change passwords more than once per year (that's what NIST says). Instead:

  • Only force resets when there's a breach
  • Log every password change
  • Check passwords against breach lists daily

Here's the thing: When users have to change passwords too often, they pick weak ones. Focus on strong initial passwords and watch for breaches instead.

6. Set Up Access Levels

Here's how to set up access control that works (and keeps your SOC 2 auditors happy):

Access Level Who Gets It What They Can Do
Basic User Regular employees Change own password, use assigned apps
Department Admin Team leads Manage team passwords, approve resets
System Admin IT staff Configure password policies, manage all users
Security Admin Security team Monitor logs, handle breaches

Here's What You NEED to Do:

  • Only give access people need for their work
  • Cut off access within 24 hours after someone leaves
  • Update access when jobs change
  • Look at access lists every 3 months
Action When What to Do
New Hire Day 1 Get manager approval, document access
Role Change Within 48 hours Remove old access, add new permissions
Employee Exit Within 24 hours Disable all accounts, log final access
Access Review Every 90 days Document current permissions, remove unused

What Goes Wrong Without Good Access Control?

Two recent examples show what NOT to do:

  • South Georgia Medical Center had a data leak (November 2021) because they were slow to remove access
  • Delaware's Elliot Greenleaf law firm lost client data (January 2021) when four lawyers kept access they shouldn't have had

How to Set This Up:

1. Pick Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

It's simpler than other options and gets the job done for most teams.

2. Build Your System

  • Write down what each role can do
  • Create steps for approvals
  • Set up ways to track access
  • Add automatic removal

3. Log Everything

What to Log Why It Matters
Access Changes Shows who did what and when
Failed Logins Helps spot break-in attempts
Usage Patterns Finds dead accounts
Admin Actions Tracks big system changes

Quick Tip: Use a ticket system for access requests. It creates the paper trail your SOC 2 auditors want to see.

Bottom line? Good access control stops most password problems before they start.

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7. Check Passwords Automatically

Here's a fact that'll make you think: 81% of hacking-related breaches come from weak or stolen passwords. And each breach? It costs $3.86 million on average.

Let's fix that with automatic password screening that fits SOC 2:

Password Check Type What to Look For Why It Matters
Known Breaches Passwords exposed in data leaks 1.5% of all logins are compromised
Common Patterns Dictionary words, simple sequences Most common attack vector
Previous Breaches Passwords from your company's past incidents Prevents repeat vulnerabilities
Shared Credentials Same password across multiple accounts Stops cascade failures

Want to see this in action? Chrome's password checker runs 14 million checks every week. The result? A 37% drop in compromised credentials.

"We've all done it - rushing to create a login with our pet's name as the password. But these quick fixes open the door to security problems."

Ali Sarraf, Chrome Product Manager

Here's how to set up your checks:

Step Action System Response
New Password Creation Screen against breach database Block known compromised passwords
Password Updates Check against policy rules Warn users before saving
Regular Scans Monitor existing passwords Alert admins to newly exposed credentials
Failed Attempts Log and analyze patterns Flag potential breach attempts

Your SOC 2 Checklist:

  • Stop passwords that fail checks
  • Get user confirmation for warning overrides
  • Keep logs of all password checks
  • Monitor override decisions
  • Send alerts about weak password patterns

Tools That Work:

  • Rapid7 InsightIDR for user behavior tracking
  • Enzoic for real-time breach updates
  • Chrome Password Manager for basic safety checks

Quick Setup:

  • Connect to your directory service
  • Turn on Single Sign-On
  • Document override rules
  • Set up alert workflows

Here's the bottom line: If you're in finance, healthcare, or the public sector, you're at the highest risk - these industries make up 50% of password-related breaches. Don't skip automatic checks. They're your first line of defense against expensive breaches.

8. Create Password Reset Steps

Here's a fact: Password resets drain company resources. But a good Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) system can boost user adoption from 20-40% to 85-95%.

Your password reset system needs these core parts:

Component Requirements System Response
Current Password Must enter before changes Stops unwanted changes
Password History Checks last 12 passwords Stops password reuse
Expiration Period 365 days max Alerts 14 days before
Verification Methods Multiple options SMS, email, phone
Session Management After reset Ends all active sessions

Here's how verification works:

Method How It Works Success Rate
Mobile Phone SMS or call Best uptake
Office Phone Voice check Works for office staff
Backup Email Sends link High success
Security Questions Knowledge check Basic but works

Take Microsoft's Entra ID as an example. Their cloud SSPR updates on-premises AD instantly - no delays, no sync issues.

Protection Limits:

Action Limit Why
IP Address Tries 5 per hour Blocks attacks
Account Tries 3 per 15 min Stops mass attempts
Token Use Once only No token reuse

For SOC 2, you need to:

  • Set clear reset steps
  • Use multiple checks
  • Track reset tries
  • Log successes
  • Watch for fails

Make It Work:

  • Quick reset emails
  • Clear steps
  • Brand it
  • Big reset buttons
  • Clean old sessions

Here's the deal: Passwords expire after 365 days. Users get a 14-day heads-up. After that? No login until they reset.

"SSPR success comes down to rollout planning and user prep. Pick your verification methods and get your users ready."

Microsoft Entra ID docs

Watch These Numbers:

Metric Goal If You Miss
Reset Success 95% Check user input
Reset Speed < 5 min Make it simpler
Help Desk Load -50% Better self-help
User Uptake > 85% Talk to users

Bottom line: Keep it simple AND secure. That's how you get more users on board and fewer help desk tickets.

9. Manage User Sessions

Here's how to handle sessions for SOC 2:

Application Risk Idle Timeout Max Session Length
High-value apps 2-5 minutes 4 hours
Standard apps 15-30 minutes 8 hours
Office apps 30 minutes 8 hours

Take Microsoft 365's web apps as an example: Their admins can set timeouts between 5 and 1,440 minutes across their platform.

Core Session Controls:

Control Purpose Impact
Idle Timeout Kicks out inactive users Stops unwanted access
Force Logout Ends sessions after time limit Cuts attack time
Session Reset Updates ID after privilege shifts Stops session hijacking
Cookie Setup Uses temporary cookies only Adds protection

Must-Track Session Events:

Event What To Do System Action
Login Make new session ID Start fresh session
Privilege Change Update session token Reset security
Password Change Stop other sessions Start clean
No Activity Log out automatically Clean up

SOC 2 needs two timeout types:

  1. Idle timeout: Logs out inactive users
  2. Absolute timeout: Ends sessions after fixed time

Your logout system needs:

  • Easy-to-find logout button
  • Server session cleanup
  • Browser cookie removal
  • Multi-device session ending

Watch These Session Metrics:

Metric Look For Next Steps
New Sessions Sudden jumps Check for attacks
Active Sessions System load Add resources
Login Fails Attack attempts Block IPs
Session Length Usage trends Fix timeout settings

Bottom line: Use short timeouts for sensitive data, longer ones for basic work. This keeps SOC 2 happy and users productive.

10. Track Password Rule Compliance

Let's break down how to monitor password rules for SOC 2:

Monitoring Area What to Check Action Needed
Failed Attempts Number of wrong passwords Lock account after threshold
Password Changes Frequency and timing Flag unusual patterns
Policy Violations Non-compliant passwords Force password updates
Reset Requests Volume and sources Check for suspicious activity

Here's what matters for SOC 2 password standards:

Metric Target Why It Matters
Password Age < 90 days Meets SOC 2 requirements
Complexity Score 8+ characters Prevents weak passwords
Reuse Rate 0% Stops password recycling
MFA Usage 100% Required for compliance

Here's a scary fact: Verizon found that 80% of hacking-related breaches come from weak passwords. And the average person uses the same password 13 times across different apps. That's a BIG security problem.

Your monitoring toolkit should include:

Tool Type Function Output
Password Auditor Scans existing passwords Compliance status
Activity Logger Tracks password changes Audit trails
Alert System Flags suspicious behavior Real-time warnings
Compliance Scanner Checks policy alignment Status reports

Specops Password Auditor makes it simple with these status codes:

Color Status Action
Red Non-compliant Fix immediately
Yellow Partly compliant Review and update
Green Fully compliant Monitor regularly

Here's what you need to do:

  • Run compliance scans every week
  • Look at failed logins each day
  • Check password reset patterns monthly
  • Update your tracking tools every quarter
  • Keep records for SOC 2 audits

Sprinto's system watches your password settings and tells you when something's wrong. It helps you catch and fix problems FAST.

Pro tip: Don't let service desk staff reset passwords directly in Active Directory. It's a security risk you don't need.

Bottom line: Watch BOTH your automated and manual password processes. SOC 2 auditors will check everything.

How to Set Up These Rules

Here's exactly how to set up your password and access rules:

Step Action Tool/Setting
1. Password Policy Set minimum 12 characters Active Directory
2. MFA Setup Enable 2FA for all users Google Authenticator
3. Access Control Configure RBAC Sprinto
4. Password Manager Deploy enterprise solution TeamPassword
5. Monitoring Set up tracking systems Specops Password Auditor

Your password settings should look like this:

Requirement Setting Note
Length 12+ characters Industry standard
Complexity Letters + Numbers + Symbols Must include all three
Expiration 90 days SOC 2 requirement
History Last 6 passwords Prevent reuse
Lockout 3 failed attempts Security measure

Here's what to do in TeamPassword:

1. Build Your Password Structure

Set up these vaults:

  • System credentials
  • Application access
  • Customer data
  • Admin accounts

2. Set Up Access Levels

Role Access Level Permissions
Admin Full All systems
Manager Limited Team systems
User Basic Assigned apps
Contractor Temporary Time-limited

3. Connect Your Systems

Link your LDAP to:

  • Add/remove users fast
  • Track who's active
  • Control access instantly

4. Watch Everything

Monitor Frequency Action
Failed Logins Daily Lock accounts
Password Age Weekly Force updates
Access Attempts Real-time Alert admins
Policy Violations Daily Fix issues

"We recommend organizations employ tools like vulnerability scanners, web application firewalls and penetration testing tools for scanning the organizational infrastructure for possible vulnerabilities."

Jinson, Senior Security Researcher at Astra Security

Here's what Verizon found: 81% of breaches start with bad passwords. That's why you need these policies:

Policy Type Description Update Frequency
Access Control User permissions Monthly
Information Security Data protection Quarterly
Acceptable Use Password rules Bi-annually
Risk Management Security checks Monthly

For your SOC 2 audit, keep these records:

Record Type Content Retention
Policy Changes What changed 1 year
Access Logs Who accessed what 2 years
Incidents Security events 3 years
Training User education 1 year

Use Specops to check for:

  • Weak passwords
  • Expired credentials
  • Unused accounts
  • Policy violations

This setup meets SOC 2's CC6.1, CC6.2, and CC6.3 requirements for access control and system security.

Keep Your Password Rules Current

Here's what NIST says about checking and updating your password rules:

Review Type Frequency What to Check
Policy Review Every 365 days Password length and complexity rules
Access Audit Monthly User permissions and inactive accounts
Security Scan Weekly Password database against known breaches
Breach Check Daily Signs of compromise or unusual activity

NIST has changed many traditional password rules. Here's what's different now:

Old Rule New NIST Rule Why
Change every 90 days Change only if compromised Users pick better passwords when they change them less often
Mix special characters Focus on length (8+ chars) Length beats complexity for password strength
Block password reuse Check against breach databases Stops people from using known leaked passwords
Complex requirements Allow all ASCII/Unicode chars Makes passwords easier to remember

The data makes it clear:

Statistic Impact
80% of breaches involve weak passwords Regular checks catch weak passwords
62% of users reuse passwords Daily breach monitoring helps spot risks
89% know password reuse risks Staff training needs regular updates

Here are the tools you need:

Tool Type Purpose Update Schedule
Password Scanner Find weak passwords Daily scans
Breach Monitor Check for compromised credentials Real-time alerts
Access Logger Track login attempts Weekly review
Policy Enforcer Ensure rule compliance Monthly check

NIST's take: "Password expiration isn't needed as a general practice. Only reset passwords when there's a known compromise or once every 365 days."

For SOC 2, keep these records:

Record Content Keep For
Policy Updates Changes to password rules 1 year
Security Checks Results of password scans 2 years
Access Reviews User permission updates 1 year
Breach Reports Security incidents 3 years

Check your password database against known breaches every day. If you find matches, make those users change their passwords immediately.

Conclusion

Here's what makes a SOC 2 password policy work:

Component Impact Key Requirement
Password Length Takes 200+ years to crack at 1T guesses/sec Minimum 12 characters
MFA Setup Blocks 99% of automated attacks Required for all users
Password Manager Reduces password reuse by 85% Company-wide deployment
Account Lockout Stops brute force attempts After 5 failed tries
Password History Prevents password recycling Keep last 6 passwords

Let's look at the data that shows why this matters:

Statistic Source Impact on Security
81% of breaches use weak passwords Verizon 2020 Makes strong passwords critical
$3.86M average breach cost IBM Security Shows high stakes of password security
15B passwords on dark web 1Password Shows need for unique passwords

Here's how big companies put this into action:

Company Tool Used Results
IBM 1Password Cut password resets by 75%
Slack Password Manager Zero password breaches
Dropbox MFA + Password Tools Stopped credential stuffing

"SOC 2 password requirements play a crucial role in strengthening cybersecurity defenses and ensuring compliance with industry standards."

SecureSlate, Author

These password rules do two things:

  • Block common attacks like password spraying and credential stuffing
  • Give clear proof for SOC 2 audits

The magic happens when you combine these elements. Strong passwords + MFA + the right tools = better security.

Quick tips for success:

  • Run daily password checks against breach lists
  • Update your rules once a year
  • Train your team every month
  • Keep 3 years of records

Follow these steps, and you'll nail SOC 2 compliance while keeping your systems locked down tight.

FAQs

What are the password requirements for SOC 2?

Here's what SOC 2 needs for passwords:

Requirement Specification Why It Matters
Length 12-16 characters minimum Takes 200+ years to crack at 1T guesses/sec
Password Changes Every 90 days Limits exposure if compromised
Password History Last 6 passwords Stops password recycling
Account Lockout After 5 failed attempts Blocks brute force attacks
MFA Required for all users Stops 99% of automated attacks

Think of these requirements as your digital security fence. Each element adds another layer of protection.

"Passwords are the first defense against unauthorized access to personal or sensitive information."

Mike Mariano, Chief Information Security Officer at I.S. Partners

What is the NIST compliant password policy?

NIST takes a different approach. They focus on making passwords LONGER instead of more complex:

NIST Requirement Details
Minimum Length 8 characters for user-created passwords
Maximum Length Up to 64 characters
Character Types Any ASCII/Unicode characters (including spaces and emojis)
Password Changes Only when compromised
Password Checks Must screen against known breached passwords

"Longer passwords are generally more secure and easier for users to remember."

Dr. Paul Turner, cybersecurity expert at NIST

Here's how NIST differs from SOC 2:

  • No forced password changes
  • No rules about mixing characters
  • Checks for compromised passwords
  • Focuses on length over complexity

The bottom line? NIST wants passwords that are hard to crack but easy to remember. It's like picking a phrase instead of a complex word.

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