Title

The system must require that passwords contain at least one special character. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

To enforce the use of complex passwords, minimum numbers of characters of different classes are mandated. The use of complex passwords reduces the ability of attackers to successfully obtain valid passwords using guessing or exhaustive search techniques. Complexity requirements increase the password search space by requiring users to construct passwords from a larger character set than they may otherwise use.

Check Content

Verify the system requires passwords contain at least one special character.

Fix Text

Configure the system to require passwords contain at least one special character.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-12474r2_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-11973

Group Title: GEN000640

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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