I think one issue that is being over looked here is the networks weakest point,
the users.
I have worked for many large (in terms of user base) companies and the biggest
problem is to first explain how to create a complex password and the second is
to get them to remember it.
When ever I have tried to get strong passwords into an organisation the first
problem is the huge increase in users calling the helpdesk because they've
forgotten the password, with all the identification issues that generates. Then
there is the scrap of paper under the keyboard because the new passwords are
"too hard"
If you work in a very secure environment you have to use some form of strong
authentication, probably a two factor solution, but this can not be rolled out
for the masses (cost!)
So a line has to be drawn. I don't have the answer but I know from bitter
experience the costs of tying down general user passwords too far.
Just my 2 cents
Andy
-----Original Message-----
From: Über GuidoZ [mailto:uberguidoz@gmail.com]
Sent: 11 September 2004 19:30
To: Teo Gomez
Cc: Andrew Shore; Simon Zuckerbraun; security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: Re: Password Cracking
While it's true that "October10,1977" is a strong password by most
rules, I'd beg to differ that it is a good password. Due to the ease
of social engineering, it may not be. I, for one, will test common
dates (birthdays, anniversaries, etc) in all forms first, when looking
for a password. (All forms means backwards, forwards, short hand, long
hand, etc). Most people use these as passwords since they are easy to
remember. The next step when using "trial-and-error" method is names
of those close to them (family, loved ones, pets, etc). You may be
surprised how easy it is simply guess a password when you try.
If you would like to use something easy to remember, try at least
swapping something around, but not in a usual way. Like make it
"Rctobeo" (swapped the O and R) or "7197" (instead of 1977)...
something to that effect. I usually don't try those types of swaps
until I use a brute force method. On a side note, while it's better
then nothing, and adding a "1" to a name isn't a way to secure it
either. =P I will try that 3rd.
On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 14:23:17 -0400, Teo Gomez <tgomez@ubiquitelpcs.com> wrote:
Even enforcing complex passwords does not guarantee that passwords be
'strong.' For example, October20,1977 is my birthday, and is a strong
password. Try and get users to use pass phrases instead of passwords.
For example, My cat's hair is blue, is a complex pass phrase.
Teo
-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew Shore [mailto:andrew.shore@holistecs.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 4:37 AM
To: Simon Zuckerbraun; security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: RE: Password Cracking
Depending up on the servers strong passwords can be enforced.
NT4 SP4 and Win2k AD support this as do most Linux distributions.
That way you don't need to check the passwords.
-----Original Message-----
From: Simon Zuckerbraun [mailto:szucker@sst-pr-1.com]
Sent: 05 September 2004 04:05
To: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: RE: Password Cracking
If I understand correctly, LC is capable of doing what you're asking.
Simon
-----Original Message-----
From: Eoin Fleming [mailto:rtfm@o2.ie]
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 4:44 PM
To: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: Password Cracking
Bit of an unusual one -
Lets imagine you are a security administrator at a company - strong
passwords are enforced but you suspect that there may be exceptions and
you want to raise management awareness of breaches of the password
policy BUT you can't run cracking software as then you will know
individuals passwords - which you don't want to know as this breaks
acountability rather nicely.
In short - is there software that can perform the function of LC and
John without giving the admin the password but rather rate the password
against against a set criteria?
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