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We all know passwords are a problem. They’re reused, guessed, phished, and breached. The ultimate goal? Move beyond passwords altogether. While we work toward a passwordless future, we still need to secure what’s in place today. That’s where Entra ID Password Protection comes in, blocking weak and compromised passwords before they ever become a security risk.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- How Entra Password Protection proactively defends against bad passwords.
- How you can enforce better password hygiene with Entra ID.
- What all this has to do with Pop-Tarts.
We’re heading toward a world without passwords, but until we get there, we can at least make them less of a security liability.
You Should Know:
- How Entra Password Protection Proactively Defends Against Bad Passwords
Entra ID Password Protection uses a global banned password list and a custom banned password list to prevent users from setting weak or commonly used passwords. It also checks passwords against a database of known compromised credentials.
Commands to Implement Entra Password Protection:
- Enable Global Banned Password List:
Set-MsolPasswordPolicy -DomainName <YourDomain> -EnableBannedPasswordList $true
- Add Custom Banned Passwords:
Set-MsolPasswordPolicy -DomainName <YourDomain> -CustomBannedPasswords @("password123", "admin123", "letmein")
2. Enforcing Better Password Hygiene with Entra ID
Entra ID allows you to enforce password policies that require users to create strong, unique passwords. You can also enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.
Steps to Enforce Password Policies:
1. Enable MFA:
Set-MsolUser -UserPrincipalName <UserEmail> -StrongAuthenticationRequirements @{State="Enabled"}
2. Set Password Expiration:
Set-MsolPasswordPolicy -DomainName <YourDomain> -ValidityPeriod 90 -NotificationDays 14
3. What This Has to Do with Pop-Tarts
The reference to Pop-Tarts is a playful nod to the idea that even the simplest things (like passwords) can be improved with the right tools and strategies. Just as Pop-Tarts are a quick, convenient snack, Entra ID Password Protection offers a quick, convenient way to enhance security.
What Undercode Say:
Entra ID Password Protection is a powerful tool for organizations looking to improve their password security. By leveraging global and custom banned password lists, enforcing strong password policies, and enabling MFA, you can significantly reduce the risk of password-related breaches.
Additional Linux and Windows Commands for Enhanced Security:
- Linux:
- Check for weak passwords using
john:john --wordlist=/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt /etc/shadow
- Set password policies using
pam_pwquality:sudo nano /etc/security/pwquality.conf
Add the following lines:
minlen = 12 dcredit = -1 ucredit = -1 ocredit = -1 lcredit = -1
- Windows:
- Audit password policies:
Get-ADDefaultDomainPasswordPolicy
- Enforce password complexity:
Set-ADDefaultDomainPasswordPolicy -ComplexityEnabled $true -MinPasswordLength 12
Expected Output:
By implementing Entra ID Password Protection and following the steps outlined above, you can create a more secure environment for your organization. Remember, the journey to a passwordless future is ongoing, but with the right tools and practices, you can make passwords less of a security liability today.
For more information, check out the official Microsoft documentation: Entra ID Password Protection.
References:
Reported By: Dustin Gullett – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
