Password Pitfalls

"Passwords are like underwear. You shouldn't let people see it, you should change it regularly, and you shouldn't share it with strangers." – Chris Pirillo

Let's be real: nobody enjoys changing their password. That little pop-up reminding you it's time to update your credentials is the digital equivalent of a dentist appointment—necessary, but painful. And for IT teams, password resets are a daily grind, with support tickets piling up like laundry. So, it's no surprise that some organizations have turned to 'never expire' passwords as a way to ease the burden. But, here's the kicker: this so-called 'solution' could be opening the door to some serious security risks.

According to TheHackersNews, many organizations have adopted 'never expire' passwords to avoid the hassle of constant resets. On the surface, it seems like a win-win: users are happy because they don’t have to remember a new password every few months, and IT teams get fewer support calls. But the reality is far more complicated.

Why 'Never Expire' Sounds Good (But Isn’t)

First off, let's talk about why this idea is even on the table. Password fatigue is real. Between work, personal accounts, and that one random app you downloaded two years ago, it's easy to see why people are tired of juggling passwords. And when you're forced to change them regularly, the temptation to use something simple—or worse, reuse an old password—is strong. So, the 'never expire' option seems like a way to avoid weak passwords and keep everyone happy, right?

Wrong. The problem with 'never expire' passwords is that they give hackers more time to crack them. Passwords are like milk—they have an expiration date for a reason. The longer a password stays the same, the more vulnerable it becomes to brute-force attacks, phishing, and other forms of cyber exploitation. And once a hacker gets their hands on your password, they can sit on it for months, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

What NIST Has to Say

Even the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has weighed in on the issue. In their latest draft guidelines, NIST has actually dropped the recommendation for mandatory password resets, but that doesn’t mean they’re endorsing 'never expire' passwords. Instead, they suggest focusing on password complexity and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to bolster security. The idea is to make passwords harder to guess, rather than just changing them frequently.

But here's the catch: if you're not using MFA or other advanced security measures, sticking with 'never expire' passwords is like leaving your front door unlocked. Sure, it’s convenient, but you’re practically inviting trouble.

The IT Team's Dilemma

For IT teams, the 'never expire' debate is a double-edged sword. On one hand, fewer password resets mean fewer support tickets, which is a blessing when you're already stretched thin. On the other hand, the security risks are hard to ignore. A single compromised password could lead to a full-blown data breach, costing your organization millions in damages—not to mention the hit to your reputation.

So, what’s the solution? Well, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. While 'never expire' passwords might seem like a quick fix, they’re really just a band-aid on a much bigger problem. Instead, organizations should focus on implementing stronger authentication methods, like MFA, and educating users on password best practices. After all, the best defense is a good offense.

What You Can Do

If you’re an IT professional, it’s time to rethink your password policy. Sure, 'never expire' passwords might reduce the number of support calls, but at what cost? Instead, consider adopting a more holistic approach to security. Implement MFA, encourage the use of password managers, and make sure your users understand the importance of strong, unique passwords. It’s not the easiest solution, but it’s definitely the safest.

And if you’re a regular user, do yourself a favor: change your password every now and then. It’s a small inconvenience that could save you a world of trouble down the line.