Password Policies and Security

Key Concepts

1. Password Complexity

Password complexity refers to the strength and structure of a password. A complex password is harder to guess or crack, making it more secure. Complexity requirements often include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Example: A strong password might be "P@ssw0rd!23". This password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, making it difficult for attackers to guess.

2. Password Expiry

Password expiry is the practice of requiring users to change their passwords after a certain period. This policy helps prevent long-term use of the same password, reducing the risk of it being compromised.

Example: A company might enforce a policy where employees must change their passwords every 90 days. This ensures that even if a password is compromised, it will only be valid for a limited time.

3. Account Lockout

Account lockout is a security measure that temporarily disables an account after a specified number of failed login attempts. This prevents brute-force attacks where an attacker tries multiple passwords in quick succession.

Example: After three unsuccessful login attempts, a user's account might be locked for 15 minutes. This gives the user time to reset their password or contact IT support, while also deterring attackers.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access. These factors can include something the user knows (password), something the user has (phone), and something the user is (biometric data).

Example: A banking app might require users to enter a password and then verify their identity by entering a code sent to their mobile phone. This ensures that even if a password is compromised, an attacker would still need access to the user's phone to gain entry.

Practical Examples

1. Implementing Password Complexity

To enforce password complexity on a MikroTik device, you can configure the user manager to require a minimum length and a mix of character types. This ensures that all user passwords are strong and resistant to brute-force attacks.

2. Setting Password Expiry

You can set a password expiry policy in RouterOS by configuring the user manager to require users to change their passwords after a specified period. This helps maintain security by ensuring passwords are regularly updated.

3. Configuring Account Lockout

To implement account lockout, you can set a policy in RouterOS that locks a user's account after a certain number of failed login attempts. This can be combined with a notification system to alert administrators of potential security breaches.

4. Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication

MikroTik devices support MFA through third-party applications like Google Authenticator. By enabling MFA, you add an extra layer of security to user accounts, making it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

Conclusion

Understanding and implementing password policies and security measures is crucial for protecting your network. By enforcing password complexity, setting password expiry, configuring account lockout, and enabling multi-factor authentication, you can significantly enhance the security of your MikroTik devices and the data they protect.