STIG V-254588 - Six Character Password Length - Apple iOS/iPad OS 16

Welcome to the latest edition of our Security Compliance Newsletter! Our goal is to keep you informed and equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard your systems and data.

In this edition, we are venturing into the realm of mobile security with a focus on Apple iOS/iPadOS. Mobile devices are an integral part of our daily lives, and securing them is as important as securing traditional computer systems.

In this episode, we will be looking at STIG V-254588, which talks about enforcing a minimum password length of six characters on Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 devices. With the ubiquity of mobile devices and the sensitive information they often contain, ensuring that they are configured securely is paramount.

Please note that our newsletter schedule has changed. Instead of bi-weekly, we will now publish this newsletter as often as possible to ensure that you have the most current and relevant information at your fingertips. We understand the dynamic nature of cybersecurity and want to keep you well-informed in real-time.

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Let’s dive into this edition’s content and get started with STIG V-254588!

Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) V-254588 mandates that Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 devices must be configured to enforce a minimum password length of six characters.

Password strength is a critical aspect of security. It is the measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting guessing and brute-force attacks. The longer the password, the larger the combination space, making it harder for attackers to guess or crack the password. Having a short password can lead to easier compromise, which may result in unauthorized access to the device and data.

A shorter passcode can be a vulnerability, and here's how:

1. Brute-force Attacks: Shorter passcodes have fewer combinations, making them susceptible to brute-force attacks where the attacker tries all possible passcodes.

2. Dictionary Attacks: Common words or sequences are often used in short passcodes, making them vulnerable to dictionary attacks.

3. Social Engineering: Short passcodes might be easier to guess by someone who knows the user personally.

4. Shoulder Surfing: Shorter passcodes are easier for an attacker to observe and remember when a user is entering it.

5. Exposure to Automated Tools: Shorter passcodes are more vulnerable to automated tools designed to crack passcodes.

By enforcing a minimum length of six characters for passcodes, the security of the device is significantly enhanced as it thwarts the attacker’s ability to easily guess or crack the passcode.

Review the configuration settings to confirm that the minimum passcode length is set to six or more characters. This can be done through the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool or directly on the iPhone and iPad.

In the Management Tool:

• Verify that the "Minimum passcode length" value is set to six or greater.

• Alternatively, verify that the text "minLength 6" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file).

On the iPhone and iPad:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap "General".

3. Tap "Profiles & Device Management" or "Profiles".

4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool containing the password policy.

5. Tap "Restrictions".

6. Tap "Passcode".

7. Verify "Minimum length" is listed as "six or greater".

If the "Minimum passcode length" is less than six characters in the iOS management tool, or if "minLength" has an integer value of less than six, or if the password policy on the iPhone and iPad does not list "Minimum length" of six or greater, this is a finding.

To fix this issue, install a configuration profile that enforces a minimum passcode length value of six or greater. This can be done through the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool.

For individual users looking to secure their Apple iOS devices by setting up a six-digit passcode, here's how:

1. Access Passcode Settings:

   • On iPhone X and later, or iPad with Face ID, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.

   • On earlier iPhone models, go to Touch ID & Passcode.

   • On devices without Touch ID, go to Settings > Passcode.

2. Enable Passcode: Tap "Turn Passcode On".

3. Set Six-Digit Passcode: Enter a six-digit passcode. (Note: You can also tap "Passcode Options" to switch to a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code. However, for enhanced security, it is recommended to use at least a six-digit passcode).

4. Confirm Passcode: Enter your passcode again to confirm it and activate it.

By setting a six-digit passcode, you significantly improve the security of your Apple iOS device. This simple step makes it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access to the information stored on your device.

It is essential to understand that the security of your mobile devices is as important as that of your computers. Mobile devices often have access to sensitive data and should be secured according to best practices. Enforcing a minimum password length is one of the fundamental steps in securing your Apple iOS/iPadOS devices.

Stay tuned for our next bi-weekly newsletter where we will continue to share valuable insights on cybersecurity.

DISA Cyber: https://public.cyber.mil/stigs/downloads/

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Stay safe and secure!

Kingdom Dominion Security & Technology