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2 total messages Started by Douglas Nelson Tue, 23 Feb 1988 03:59
Unix Password Cracker/Hacker
#4038
Author: Douglas Nelson
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1988 03:59
40 lines
2183 bytes
I still stand on my idea that people should be aware of how easily their
systems can be pentrated by users using the program I previously posted.

Why not just add a few lines to your system and have it require the users
to have at least one numeric digit in their password?

I know several other companies that 'pass out' the user's passwords, but I
can see that this mumbo-jumbo random password is only going to make people
write them down on a piece of paper that ends up in a wallet, purse, or top
desk drawer.

I also don't think that simply instructing the users to use a numeric digit
in their password is enough to create a lasting impression.

I think the best, and perhaps most simple once implimented is to re-write
the source, which will check and require the user to have at least the one
numberic digit.  I doubt most users would have a problem with having a password
of something like "shoe999" or something that THEY can set and thus easily
remember, instead of "sJ2s&$kT!" or something.

Also, I know it is available on most other operating systems, so perhaps it
is also available on Unix-type systems, a 'password expiration date' so to
say.  This will force users to change thier passwords occasionally.

A fellow Usenet user left me mail that said something that I thought could
explain some of the flame over my posting of that program:

"Perhaps some of the flame that is coming your way due to the posting of
 that program is because the simplicity of how easily their security can
 be breached has hit a little closer to home than they feel comfortable
 with."


As always, I welcome any questions/suggestions/threats via mail.

------------------
Douglas Nelson
dnelson@ddsw1.UUCP
------------------
Re: Unix Password Cracker/Hacker
#4042
Author: Doug Gwyn
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1988 22:30
10 lines
1067 bytes
In article <772@ddsw1.UUCP> dnelson@ddsw1.UUCP (Douglas Nelson) writes:
>Also, I know it is available on most other operating systems, so perhaps it
>is also available on Unix-type systems, a 'password expiration date' so to
>say.  This will force users to change thier passwords occasionally.

This is a standard feature on UNIX System V (it is enabled on a per-account
basis).  But it's not really a good idea under normal circumstances -- if
a person has chosen a good, secure password, it is folly to force them to
change it.  Eventually they will quit being careful and just pick a lousy
password, affording an intruder an improved entry opportunity.
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