Microsoft, as a leading technology company, has continually updated its password best practices to adapt to the changing landscape of security threats. This article delves into the history of Microsoft’s password guidelines and how they have evolved over time.
The Early Days: Complexity and Rotation
Initially, Microsoft’s password policy emphasized complexity and frequent changes. The guidelines suggested passwords should be complex, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, there was a strong push for password rotation, where users were advised to change their passwords regularly, typically every 60 to 90 days¹.
Example: Password123!
Shift in Focus: Length Over Complexity
Over time, Microsoft recognized that complexity requirements often led to user frustration and predictable patterns in password creation. In response, the focus shifted towards encouraging longer passwords. Microsoft’s research indicated that lengthier passwords, even without complex character requirements, provided better security against common attacks².
Example: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Rethinking Mandatory Changes: The Modern Approach
One of the most significant changes in Microsoft’s password policy was the move away from mandatory periodic password resets. The company acknowledged that this practice could lead to weaker password quality as users tended to create simpler passwords that were easier to remember when forced to change them frequently².
Example 1 (January): Winter2024
Example 2 (July): Summer2024
Current Best Practices: Embracing User Behavior
Today, Microsoft’s password guidelines are designed with an understanding of human behavior. The recommendations include:
- Maintaining an eight-character minimum length requirement.
- Avoiding password complexity requirements (e.g., Requiring at least one lowercase letter, uppercase letter, number, and symbol).
- Not enforcing mandatory periodic password resets for user accounts.
- Banning common passwords to keep the most vulnerable passwords out of the system².
Password Policy for Administrators
For administrators, Microsoft suggests a password policy that promotes diversity and difficulty in guessing. The current best practice is to ensure a variety of different and hard-to-guess passwords within the organization².
Looking Ahead: Password-less Future
Microsoft is also exploring alternatives to traditional passwords. The company is investing in technologies like biometric authentication, two-factor authentication (2FA), and single sign-on (SSO) solutions. These methods aim to provide a more secure and user-friendly way to protect accounts and data.
Conclusion
The history of Microsoft’s password best practices is a testament to the company’s commitment to security and its willingness to adapt to new research and user feedback. As we look to the future, the shift towards password-less authentication methods may redefine our approach to digital security altogether.
Are you ready to go password-less?
(1) Password policy recommendations – Microsoft 365 admin (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/misc/password-policy-recommendations?view=o365-worldwide).
(2) Enforce password history – Windows 10 | Microsoft Learn (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/enforce-password-history).
