Title

The operating system must prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

If the operating system allows the user to select passwords based on dictionary words, then this increases the chances of password compromise by increasing the opportunity for successful guesses and brute-force attacks.

Check Content

Verify the operating system prevents the use of dictionary words for passwords. If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the operating system to prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-203778r991587_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-203778

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.