Re: First time/one time use default password

[Roger A Safian <r-safian () NORTHWESTERN EDU>]

I would think that in the day of things like Facebook, where the birthdate is pretty common knowledge, using the DoB as 
a default password would be a horrible choice.  Perhaps even negligent.  We do not use a default password, instead we 
generate a random one and mail.
From: The EDUCAUSE Security Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU] On Behalf Of Tarun 
Trivedi
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 2:29 PM
To: SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU
Subject: [SECURITY] First time/one time use default password

Our institution currently for new students assigns a unique Student ID Number, which is also their Login ID for the 
institution's computer network. For this Student ID first time/one time use default password is their Date of Birth. 
The new student at their first network login is prompted to change their one time default password.

Keeping in mind the authentication guidance provided under FERPA (34 CFR Part 99, from the page 74848 following 
excerpts:  "The use of widely available information to authenticate identity, such as the recipient’s name, date of 
birth, SSN or student ID number, is not considered reasonable under the regulations.")

I would appreciate your input with following:

- What are the risks associated with having widely available information like DoB as a default one time password
- What is the probability of having a breach due to initial password that is comprised of widely available information 
such as DoB
- What is the worst case if breach related to this occurs (PII compromise, fines, etc.?)
- What is your institution have in place for a first time one time use/default password process/procedure
- How is your institution handling the first time network password (generation and delivery) related tasks
- How/why you are out of compliance if you have information like DoB as first time/one time use default password

Thank you in advance for your time and reply.


Tarun Trivedi

IT Security Engineer
Waubonsee Community College
Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
Ph#630-466-5744
e-mail: ttrivedi () waubonsee edu<mailto:ttrivedi () waubonsee edu>
web site: www.waubonsee.edu<http://www.waubonsee.edu>

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