NIST Guidelines for Strong Passwords

By Art Gross, President and CEO, HIPAA Secure Now!
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The healthcare industry relies heavily on technology to store, manage, and access patient information. And one fundamental aspect of protecting patient information is using strong passwords or passphrases in line with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines.

The Significance of Strong Passwords

Passwords act as the first defense against unauthorized access to sensitive medical records, financial data, and other confidential information. Unfortunately, many cyberattacks succeed due to weak passwords, such as easily guessable combinations or reused passwords across multiple accounts. For healthcare providers, the ramifications of a data breach can be catastrophic, resulting in financial losses, legal liabilities, damaged reputation, and, most importantly, jeopardized patient safety.

NIST Standards for Passwords

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a renowned authority on cybersecurity best practices. Their guidelines for creating and managing passwords aim to enhance security while promoting usability. Here are some key aspects of the NIST standards that healthcare providers should adhere to:

1. Password Length: NIST recommends using passwords with a minimum length of 12 characters. Longer passwords are generally more secure, as they increase the complexity and make them harder for attackers to crack.
2. Complexity is Out, Long Passphrases are In: NIST discourages the use of complex password requirements, such as mandating uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Instead, they advocate for using long passphrases. A passphrase is a sequence of random words or a sentence that is easy for users to remember but difficult for attackers to guess.
3. Password Blacklists: NIST advises against using common and easily guessable passwords (e.g., “123456” or “password”). Implementing a password blacklist can prevent users from choosing weak passwords.
4. Password Rotation is Optional: Historically, organizations often forced users to change their passwords frequently. However, NIST found this practice can lead to weaker passwords being used. Instead, it’s better to encourage the use of unique and strong passwords or passphrases that users do not have to change regularly unless there is a suspicion of compromise.
5. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): NIST strongly advocates for the implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before gaining access to an account. MFA significantly enhances security and should be used in conjunction with strong passwords.
6. Password Managers: NIST suggests using password managers, which are secure tools that generate and store complex passwords for various accounts. Password managers reduce the burden of remembering multiple passwords while improving overall security.

The digital transformation in healthcare has brought immense benefits to patient care. But it has also exposed it to new cybersecurity challenges. Implementing strong passwords or passphrases following the NIST standards is a fundamental step in protecting patient data and safeguarding the reputation of healthcare providers. By adopting best practices and staying vigilant, healthcare providers can fortify their cybersecurity defenses.

This article was originally published on HIPAA Secure Now! and is republished here with permission.