10 Password Policy Best Practices for SOC 2 Compliance


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:
- Set strong password rules (12+ chars, mixed characters)
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Use password management tools
- Set account lockout rules
- Track password history
- Set up access levels
- Check passwords automatically
- Create password reset steps
- Manage user sessions
- 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.
Related video from YouTube
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."
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."
Ready to get started? Here's what to do:
- Pick a tool that matches your company size and budget
- Start with your exec team and IT admins
- Create user groups and sharing rules
- Test your policies
- 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
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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:
- Block at least 10 previous passwords
- Make users wait 1 day between changes
- Compare new passwords with breach lists
- 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."
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."
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."
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:
- Idle timeout: Logs out inactive users
- 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."
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."
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."
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."
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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