Question 1
An OSC has an established password policy. The OSC wants to improve its password protection security by implementing a single change .
Which of the following is an acceptable element to add to the OSC’s password policy?
- AOption A:
Require passwords to be changed every 18 months.
- BOption B:
Require passwords to be 5 to 7 characters long.
- COption C:
Add the use of salted two-way cryptographic hashes of passwords.
- DOption D:
Add the use of salted one-way cryptographic hashes of passwords, where possible.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
The Identification and Authentication (IA) practices require that passwords be protected using strong methods. Storing passwords with salted one-way hashes ensures they cannot be reversed, providing strong protection.
Extract from IA.L2-3.5.10:
“Passwords must be stored and transmitted in a form that is resistant to compromise, typically using salted one-way cryptographic hashes.”
Options A and B do not align with modern password guidance, and option C (two-way cryptographic hashing) is insecure because it allows reversal.
[Reference: CMMC Assessment Guide – Level 2, IA.L2-3.5.10., ]