Here’s a draft of a corporate password policy that you can use as a basis for your own company’s password policy. This policy aims to enhance your organization’s security posture by establishing clear guidelines for password creation, maintenance, and protection.
[Company Name] Password Policy
Introduction
At [Company Name], we recognize the importance of securing our digital assets and protecting sensitive information. One of the primary ways we safeguard our systems is through the effective use of passwords. This policy outlines the standards and procedures for creating, managing, and protecting passwords within our organization.
Purpose and Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and third-party service providers who have access to [Company Name]’s digital resources. It is designed to ensure that everyone understands their responsibility in maintaining the security of our systems and data.
Definitions
- Password: A secret combination of characters used to authenticate a user’s identity electronically.
- Strong Password: A password that includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and is at least 14 characters long.
[A-Z] [a-z] [0-9] [
-! " # $ % & ' ( ) * +, -. / : ; < = >? @ [ \ ] ^ _
{ | } ~]
Roles and Responsibilities
All employees are responsible for adhering to this policy. IT and HR departments will oversee the implementation and enforcement of this policy, including conducting periodic reviews and training sessions.
Password Creation Guidelines
- Complexity: All passwords must meet the definition of a strong password.
- Change Frequency: Passwords must be changed every 90 days.
- Unique Passwords: Each password must be unique and not reused across multiple accounts.
- Personal Information: Avoid using personal information in passwords.
Password Administration Activities
Employees are encouraged to use the self-service password reset tool available through [insert link or instructions]. Requests for password resets must be made through official channels to ensure security.
Misused Passwords
If an employee suspects their password has been compromised, they must immediately report the incident to the IT department. Failure to report a suspected breach may result in disciplinary action.
Penalties for Unauthorized Password Activities
Unauthorized sharing, selling, or trading passwords is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination of employment.
Changes, Updates, and Approvals
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in technology and threats. Changes will be communicated to all employees through email and posted notices.
Conclusion
By adhering to this password policy, we collectively strengthen the security of [Company Name] and protect our valuable information. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to maintaining our high standards of security.
Feel free to adjust the policy to better fit your organization’s specific needs and culture. Regularly reviewing and updating the policy ensures it remains effective against evolving threats and technologies.
Further reading ...
- https://purplesec.us/resources/cyber-security-policy-templates/password-security/
- https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/msp/cjic/pdfs7/Password_policy.pdf?rev=7b5640970ac347d2aa2c9d3804c7cfc6
- https://nationalcybersecuritysociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Password-Policy-Template-FINAL.docx
- https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/How-to-create-a-company-password-policy-with-template
- https://blog.focal-point.com/a-free-password-policy-template-for-2018
- https://security-guidance.service.justice.gov.uk/iasme/Policy_Templates/Password_Management_Policy_TEMPLATE_V1.docx
- https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/tools/policies/computer-passwords-policy
- https://www.cara.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Password-Policy-Template-CARA.pdf
- https://sites.google.com/a/murraystate.edu/information-security/policy/password [10] https://www.alert-software.com/blog/password-policy-best-practices