CompTIA Exam Prep - ITF+, A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+

PASSWORD POLICY The recommended minimum password length is 14 characters. With the advancement of CPU processing power and RAM, 8-character passwords are no longer recommended.  Avoid using words found in the dictionary or part of the username to make a password strong. Use at least 3 of the following four: Uppercase letters (26 A through Z) Lowercase letters (26 a through z) Numbers (10 numbers 0-9) Special characters (32 characters, like !, @, #, %, &, and *) An 8-character password with only lowercase letters is calculated as 26^8, or  208827064576  (208 billion) possibilities. Making the password 10 lowercase letters changes it to 141 trillion possibilities.  With a desktop computer and a high-end graphics card, password-cracking tools are capable of testing 20 billion passwords per second. An attacker could break the 10-character password in two hours. The combination possibilities of utilizing all four character types will equal 94 characte...

  Passwordless Authentication Passwordless authentication replaces traditional passwords with alternative methods for verifying a user's identity, offering enhanced security and a more user-friendly experience. Instead of relying on something the user knows (a password), it utilizes factors like biometrics, possession of a device, or unique digital keys. This approach minimizes the risk of password-related vulnerabilities, such as phishing and theft, while also simplifying the login process.   How Passwordless Authentication Works: Passwordless authentication leverages different methods to verify a user's identity without relying on passwords. Here's a breakdown of common approaches: 1. Biometrics: This method uses unique biological traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans to verify identity. Users unlock their devices or access applications by simply scanning their fingerprint or using facial recognition, eliminating the need for passwords. Examples incl...