Full Answer Section

• Fail-Secure Defaults:Security features should be enabled by default, requiring deliberate action to disable them.
• Separation of Duties:Separate critical tasks and access controls among different users to prevent single points of failure.

Authentication Methods and Password Policies:

• Authentication Methods: These verify a user’s claimed identity before granting access. Common methods include:
  • Something You Know:Passwords, PINs, security questions. (Weakness: Vulnerable to guessing, phishing attacks)
  • Something You Have:Security tokens, hardware keys. (Strength: Adds a layer of security beyond passwords)
  • Something You Are:Biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition). (Strength: More unique than passwords, but potential for spoofing)
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):Combines two or more methods, significantly enhancing security. (Strength: Most secure method)
• Password Policies: Guidelines for creating strong passwords:
  • Minimum Length:Enforce a minimum length (e.g., 12 characters) to increase complexity.
  • Character Complexity:Require a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • Password History:Prevent users from reusing recent passwords to avoid compromising old ones.
  • Regular Changes:Enforce periodic password changes to reduce the window of vulnerability if compromised.

How They Work Together:

• Defense in Depth:Password policies and authentication methods are two layers of defense. Even if a password is compromised, additional factors (MFA) can prevent unauthorized access.
• Least Privilege:Combined with strong authentication, granting minimal access reduces the impact of a compromised account.
• Fail-Secure Defaults:MFA can be set as the default, requiring additional effort to disable, enhancing security.
• Separation of Duties:MFA can be used for critical tasks or high-level access, adding another layer of control.

By implementing these principles and utilizing strong authentication methods with appropriate password policies, organizations can significantly improve their overall security posture.