Password Policy Generator
Create professional password policies following NIST 800-63B guidelines and industry best practices. Compliance teams can route the generated requirements into DataValidate Pro to sanity-check policy inputs against internal governance rules.
100% Client-Side & Private
Organization Information
Password Requirements
832
16256
Character Types
Security Settings
Prevent reuse of last N passwords
Lock account after this many failed attempts
Policy Strength
85
Excellent
NIST 800-63B Compliance
80%
4 of 5 guidelines met
Minimum 8 characters (12+ recommended)
No mandatory periodic expiration without cause
Multi-factor authentication for sensitive access
Allow all printable ASCII characters
Check passwords against breach databases
NIST SP 800-63B provides evidence-based password guidelines focused on usability and security.
Generated Policy Document
PASSWORD SECURITY POLICY Organization: Acme Corporation Effective Date: January 16, 2026 Version: 1.0 ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE This password security policy establishes requirements for creating and managing passwords to protect Acme Corporation systems and data. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and third parties with access to organizational systems. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ 2. PASSWORD REQUIREMENTS 2.1 Length Requirements • Minimum Length: 12 characters • Maximum Length: 128 characters 2.2 Character Type Requirements • Must contain at least one uppercase letter (A-Z) • Must contain at least one lowercase letter (a-z) • Must contain at least one number (0-9) • Must contain at least one special character (!@#$%^&*) 2.3 Prohibited Passwords • Common passwords (e.g., "password", "123456", "qwerty") • Dictionary words without modifications • Personal information (names, birthdays, addresses) • Sequential patterns (e.g., "abcd1234", "12345678") • Keyboard patterns (e.g., "qwertyuiop") 2.4 Password Uniqueness • Users must create unique passwords for each account • Passwords must not be shared or written down in unsecure locations • Passwords must differ significantly from previous passwords ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ 3. PASSWORD MANAGEMENT 3.1 Password Expiration • No mandatory expiration - passwords do not expire automatically • Users should change passwords when: - Suspected compromise - After a security breach - After using an untrusted device - When leaving shared access situations 3.2 Password History • System will remember the last 5 passwords • Users cannot reuse any of their last 5 passwords • This prevents password cycling and improves security 3.3 Password Storage Approved Methods: • Organization-approved password manager • Encrypted password vaults • Secure credential management systems Prohibited Methods: • Plain text files or documents • Spreadsheets without encryption • Sticky notes or written passwords • Unencrypted email or messaging • Browser-saved passwords (unless encrypted) ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ 4. ACCOUNT SECURITY 4.1 Account Lockout Policy • Account locks after 5 failed login attempts • Lockout duration: 15 minutes (or until administrator unlocks) • Security team alerted after 3 failed attempts • Multiple lockouts may trigger additional security review 4.2 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) REQUIRED for: • All administrative accounts • Access to sensitive data or systems • Remote access to corporate resources • Email and collaboration tools • Financial systems Acceptable 2FA Methods: 1. Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy) - RECOMMENDED 2. Hardware security keys (YubiKey, Google Titan) 3. SMS-based codes (least secure, use only if no alternatives) Backup Codes: • Users must save backup codes securely • Store backup codes in password manager • Do not store with primary credentials 4.3 Password Reset Procedures Self-Service Reset: • Multi-factor authentication required • Security questions must not use easily guessable information • Reset links expire after 1 hour Administrator Reset: • User identity must be verified through approved channel • Temporary passwords expire after first login • User must set new permanent password immediately ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ 5. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT 5.2 User Responsibilities All users must: 1. Create passwords meeting minimum requirements 2. Never share passwords with others 3. Use unique passwords for each account 4. Enable 2FA on all accounts that support it 5. Protect 2FA devices and backup codes 6. Report suspected compromise immediately 7. Use approved password managers 5.3 Enforcement Failure to comply may result in: • Account suspension • Loss of access privileges • Disciplinary action per company policies • Mandatory security training 5.4 Policy Review • Policy reviewed annually • Updated to reflect security best practices • Incorporates user feedback • Aligns with current NIST guidelines ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ 6. RESOURCES Partner Security Tools (Recommended): • PassCheck Pro — enterprise-grade password audits and remediation workflows • LinkGuard Pro — monitor critical login URLs for tampering or downtime • RandomKit — generate supplemental random data for compliance workflows Password Generation: • SecurePass Pro: https://securitygen.io • Organization-approved password manager generators Additional Information: • NIST Guidelines: https://pages.nist.gov/800-63-3/sp800-63b.html • SecurePass Pro Security Guide: https://securitygen.io/learn/password-security-guide • Contact IT Security: security@acmecorporation.com ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ Policy Version: 1.0 Last Updated: January 16, 2026 Next Review: January 16, 2027 Approved By: IT Security Team ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ This policy is confidential and proprietary to Acme Corporation. Distribution outside the organization requires written approval.
Understanding Password Policy Settings
Password Length
Length is the most important factor in password security. Each additional character increases security exponentially.
- • 8 chars: Minimum acceptable
- • 12 chars: Good for most uses
- • 16+ chars: Excellent security
Password Expiration
NIST recommends NOT forcing periodic password changes. Change only when there's evidence of compromise.
Forced changes often lead to weaker passwords like "Password1" → "Password2".
Two-Factor Authentication
2FA adds an extra security layer beyond passwords. Even if a password is compromised, accounts remain protected.
Strongly recommended for all sensitive accounts and administrative access.
Account Lockout
Lockout policies protect against brute-force attacks by temporarily blocking accounts after failed login attempts.
Recommended: 3-5 attempts with 15-minute lockout duration.
Why NIST Guidelines Matter
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) provides evidence-based password guidelines that balance security and usability. Their recommendations are based on extensive research and real-world data.
Key NIST Principles
- ✓ Length over complexity
- ✓ No mandatory expiration
- ✓ Check against breaches
- ✓ Allow all characters
- ✓ Enable 2FA
Common Mistakes
- ✗ Forcing periodic changes
- ✗ Complex composition rules
- ✗ Security questions
- ✗ Password hints
- ✗ Knowledge-based auth
Need Strong Passwords for Your Team?
Use our password generator to create secure passwords that meet your policy requirements.