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For years, businesses have followed outdated rules like creating overly complex passwords, changing them every 90 days, and relying on security questions. These practices often led to frustration and weak security habits. NIST’s new guidelines take a simpler, more effective approach:
The days of having to come up with a new password every few months are over. NIST now advises against routine password changes unless there is evidence that a password has been compromised, such as through a data breach or suspicious activity.
Why? Frequent password changes often lead to bad habits like reusing passwords with small tweaks (e.g., “Password1” becomes “Password2”). These predictable patterns make it easier for cybercriminals to guess credentials, putting your business at risk.
Longer passwords, or passphrases, are now considered the gold standard for security. Instead of requiring a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters, NIST suggests using memorable phrases with at least 15 characters.
For example:
These passphrases are easy to remember but incredibly hard for attackers to crack.
Passwords alone are not enough. Adding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they’ll still need a second form of verification—like a code sent to your phone—to access your account.
Questions like “What’s your mother’s maiden name?” or “What was your first pet’s name?” are no longer recommended. These answers are often easy to find through social media or phishing attempts, making them a weak link in your security chain.
NIST’s guidelines emphasize the importance of proactive security measures, such as dark web monitoring and regular scans for potential breaches. Even the best password practices can’t protect your accounts if they’re already compromised.
NIST’s updated guidelines are particularly helpful for small businesses that may not have extensive IT resources or technical knowledge. Here’s how adopting these changes can make a difference:
Simplified password rules mean less hassle for you and your employees. No more struggling to come up with—and remember—complicated passwords that need constant updates.
Focusing on longer passphrases and MFA provides better protection against cyberattacks. These practices are more effective at stopping hackers than the old rules ever were.
Frequent password resets and forgotten passwords can lead to downtime and IT support costs. Streamlining your password policies reduces these disruptions, so your team can stay focused on growing the business.
It’s easy to think that small businesses aren’t targets for cyberattacks, but the data says otherwise. According to the IBM 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a breach is $4.88 million—and small businesses are not immune. The expenses from lost business, fines, and reputation damage can be devastating.
The good news? Businesses that implement modern security practices, such as longer passwords and MFA, see significantly lower costs when breaches do occur. Security AI and automation also save an average of $2.22 million compared to businesses without these measures.
To align with NIST’s updated guidelines and protect your business, consider these steps:
The shift in NIST’s guidelines is a win for small businesses, offering a path to better security that doesn’t rely on complex or burdensome processes. While not all industries follow NIST guidelines, industries such as the healthcare and financial sector that are regulated by HIPAA, PCI, or WASP do.
By adopting longer passwords, MFA, and proactive monitoring, you can reduce frustration, protect your business, and save money in the long run.
Ready to modernize your password policies and secure your business? Contact TimbukTech today to learn how we can help you implement NIST’s best practices and keep your business safe from cyber threats.
