Password Policy

Password Policy

Overview & Purpose

The purpose of this Password Policy is to establish standards for creating, managing, and protecting passwords that grant access to [Company Name] systems and data. Strong passwords are a critical part of our overall security strategy and help prevent unauthorized access to company resources.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, interns, and vendors who have access to [Company Name] systems, services, applications, or data, whether accessed through company-owned or personal devices.

Policy

• Password Creation
  • All passwords must be at least 12 characters in length.
  • Passwords must contain a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Common, easily guessable passwords (e.g., "password123", "welcome1") are prohibited.
  • Personal information (e.g., names, birthdays) should not be used in passwords.
• Password Management
  • Passwords must be unique for each system and never reused across work and personal accounts.
  • Employees are required to use a company-approved password manager to securely store and generate passwords.
  • Do not write down passwords or store them in plain text files.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • MFA is required for all systems that support it, especially for accessing administrative tools, cloud platforms, and financial or customer data.
• Password Changes
  • Passwords must be changed immediately if there is any suspicion of compromise.
  • Routine password expiration is not required unless dictated by a specific system, client policy, or compliance need.
• Prohibited Practices
  • Sharing passwords with coworkers, family, or third parties is strictly forbidden.
  • Avoid saving passwords in browsers unless explicitly approved by IT/security.
  • Do not use auto-generated device passwords (e.g., default Wi-Fi router logins).
• System Access
  • Accounts will be locked after a limited number of failed login attempts.
  • Employees must log out of sensitive systems when not in use, especially on shared or public devices.

Compliance

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract. [Company Name] reserves the right to audit password hygiene and enforce this policy through technical and administrative controls.

Review History