What is an essential guideline for a good password policy?

An essential guideline for a good password policy is that passwords should be audited regularly. Regular auditing helps to ensure that passwords are being managed effectively and that outdated or weak passwords are updated to comply with best security practices. This process allows organizations to identify patterns or weaknesses in password usage, assess the complexity of passwords being used, and take appropriate action to strengthen overall security.

Auditing also provides an opportunity to ensure compliance with established password requirements and can lead to improved user practices as strengths and weaknesses are identified in the password management process. Regular reviews can enhance an organization’s security posture by ensuring users are following the latest guidelines and reducing the risk of unauthorized access due to weak passwords.

In contrast, the other options either promote unsafe practices or do not contribute to a robust password management strategy. For example, using names or user IDs in passwords can make them easily guessable, while relying solely on dictionary words can increase susceptibility to dictionary attacks. Sharing or writing down passwords compromises their confidentiality, increasing the likelihood of unauthorized access. Regular audits, however, bolster security by actively engaging with password policies and adapting them to emerging threats.