RE: suggesting passwds to users

["Westman, Brad" <bwestman () structure-tech com>]

I suggest passphrases.. Have the users use short sentences granted the
auth system supports it.



-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly John Rose [mailto:mllists () ptbcanadian net] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2005 8:45 AM
To: James Barkley
Cc: webappsec () securityfocus com
Subject: Re: suggesting passwds to users

The problem I see with this is that if the users are not going to use 
cryptographically strong passwords in the first place, what would make 
you believe that they will use one of the randomly generated passwords. 
The big problem that exists with those passwords is that end users (in 
my experience) do not like those type of passwords, and will just come 
up with their own favourites.

As well, if you provide suggested passwords, there is more potential for

abuse if someone gains access to that code, or is able to watch the 
"suggested" passwords.

But, I think most importantly, if users are not going to use secure 
passwords in the first place, they are not going to use these suggested 
passwords either.

.....Kelly John Rose.....

James Barkley wrote:

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> A user authenticates with a username/passwd and you not only give the
> user the option to change his/her password any time they want but also
> make it mandatory that they change their password at least once every
> so often (e.g. 6 months).  You know that users are not good at
> choosing good passwords, but you happen to have a good application
> module for generating random strong passwords.  So, when the user is
> at the change password page and about to type in "Mets4Ever" as their
> new password, why not give them a list of 10 or so cryptographically
> strong, randomly generated passwords as suggestions for them.
> Assuming you are using https, then this seems like reasonable
> security... or am I missing something?
>
> - -Jim Barkley
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