Hackers don’t “guess” passwords the way movies portray it; they use automated tools, stolen data, and social engineering to break into accounts in seconds. According to Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, over 80% of breaches involve stolen or weak passwords.
59% of people still reuse passwords across multiple accounts, making them easy targets for hackers.
To combat this, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has established updated password security guidelines, shifting away from outdated complexity rules (like frequent password changes) and focusing on longer, user-friendly, and more secure authentication methods.
So, what does NIST recommend for stronger password policies, and how can businesses implement them? Let’s break down the key guidelines and best practices to keep your data safe.
What You Need to Know – TDLR;
In 2025, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has refined its password guidelines to enhance security while simplifying user requirements. Read on to get key recommendations from NIST! But first…
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The Hidden Dangers of Weak Passwords—and How to Protect Yourself
Imagine this: You wake up one morning to an email from your bank about suspicious activity on your account. Someone, somewhere, has gained access to your credentials. But how? You’ve never shared your password, and you don’t remember clicking on anything suspicious. NIST password guidelines suggest, cybercriminals don’t need you to make a mistake—they just need you to have a weak password.
In today’s digital world, password security is one of the biggest vulnerabilities for individuals and businesses alike.
Over 80% of breaches involve compromised credentials, and billions of passwords from previous leaks are freely available on the dark web.
So, how exactly do weak passwords put you at risk? Here are the most common ways cybercriminals exploit them—and what you can do to stay safe.
When Reusing Passwords Turns Into a Security Nightmare
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using the same password across multiple accounts. Hackers love this habit because of a technique called credential stuffing. If just one of your passwords gets leaked in a data breach, cybercriminals test it on multiple platforms—from email accounts to banking apps—until they find an entry point.
Take the RockYou2023 leak, for example. It exposed over 10 billion stolen passwords, making it easier than ever for hackers to break into accounts using previously compromised credentials. And the worst part? Many of these passwords still work.
👉 NIST password guidelines: Never reuse passwords. Use a password manager to generate and store unique credentials for each account.
When Hackers Crack Your Password in Seconds
Did you know that a 7-character password made of numbers can be cracked instantly? Cybercriminals use brute force attacks, where automated bots test thousands—sometimes millions—of password combinations in seconds. Short, simple passwords stand no chance.
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) now recommends longer passphrases instead of complex, hard-to-remember passwords. Instead of “P@ssw0rd!”, a phrase like “BlueSkyIsGreatForCoffeeBreaks” is actually far more secure—and easier to remember.
👉 NIST password guidelines: Use a passphrase instead of a short password. Aim for at least 12-16 characters.
When You Fall for a Clever Scam
Even the strongest password won’t protect you if you unknowingly hand it over to a scammer. Phishing attacks trick people into entering their credentials on fake login pages that look identical to the real thing. These scams can arrive via emails, text messages, or even fake customer service calls.
A recent study found that over 83% of organizations faced phishing attacks in 2023, and many of them resulted in data breaches. Even tech-savvy users fall for these scams when attackers impersonate well-known companies like Google, Microsoft, or their own workplace.
👉 NIST password guidelines: Never click on unexpected links in emails or messages. Always go directly to the website instead of using links in communications.
LEARN MORE: Google Meet Security: How Secure is Google Meet?
When Cybercriminals Exploit Weak Password Policies
Many businesses still force employees to change passwords every 90 days, thinking it improves security. In reality, this outdated practice leads to people making small, predictable changes (e.g., “Password1” → “Password2”). Attackers are well aware of this pattern, making it easier, not harder, to crack credentials.
NIST now discourages frequent password changes unless a breach is suspected. Instead, they recommend blocking commonly used passwords and enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA).
👉 NIST password guidelines: Stick to long passphrases, and only change passwords if you suspect they’ve been compromised.
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When Your Password Gets Stolen Without You Knowing
Some of the most dangerous cyberattacks happen silently. Keylogging malware can record everything you type—including passwords—without you realizing it. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks intercept login credentials when people use public Wi-Fi without encryption.
If an attacker gets hold of your credentials this way, they don’t need to guess your password—it’s already theirs.
👉 How to protect yourself: Never store passwords in your browser (use a password manager instead) and avoid public Wi-Fi unless you use a VPN.
NIST Password Guideline: Strengthen Your Password Security Now!
Cybercriminals don’t need sophisticated techniques if your password is weak. Whether it’s through password reuse, brute force attacks, phishing scams, or malware, they have countless ways to gain access to your accounts. The good news? You can stop them with a few simple changes:
✅ Use a long, unique passphrase instead of a short, complex password.
✅ Never reuse passwords across accounts.
✅ Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.
✅ Be cautious of phishing emails and fake login pages.
✅ Use a password manager to store and generate secure credentials.
Weak passwords put your finances, data, and identity at risk. Don’t wait until you’re a victim—take action today to secure your accounts.
READ ALSO: OpenAI Chat: Security Considerations
NIST Password Guideline: Emphasize Password Length Over Complexity
NIST now advises that password length is more crucial than complexity. Users are encouraged to create longer passwords or passphrases, which are both more secure and easier to remember.
NIST Password Guideline: Set Minimum and Maximum Length
Passwords should be at least 8 characters long, with support for lengths up to 64 characters, allowing for the use of memorable passphrases.
NIST Password Guideline: Eliminate Mandatory Complexity Requirements
The previous mandates for including a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters have been removed. This change aims to reduce user frustration and the tendency to create predictable patterns.
NIST Password Guideline: Discourage Frequent Password Changes
Routine password changes are no longer recommended unless there is evidence of a security breach. Frequent changes can lead to weaker passwords and increased user frustration.
NIST Password Guideline: Avoid Knowledge-Based Authentication
Security questions, such as “What is your mother’s maiden name?” are discouraged due to their vulnerability to social engineering attacks.
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NIST Password Guideline: Encourage the Use of Password Managers
To help users manage complex and unique passwords across multiple accounts, the use of password managers is recommended.
NIST Password Guideline: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra layer of security through MFA is advised to protect accounts even if passwords are compromised.
By adopting these updated guidelines, organizations can enhance security while reducing the burden on users, leading to more effective and user-friendly password practices.
FAQ
What are the NIST password guidelines?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides best practices for password creation and management, focusing on longer, user-friendly, and secure authentication methods. Key recommendations include:
- Encouraging passphrases (at least 8–64 characters).
- Eliminating mandatory complexity rules (e.g., special characters, uppercase/lowercase mix).
- No forced password changes unless there’s evidence of compromise.
- Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
- Blocking common passwords and dictionary words.
How long should a password be according to NIST?
NIST recommends a minimum of 8 characters for user-generated passwords and up to 64 characters for system-allowed passphrases. Longer passphrases (e.g., “BlueSkyIsGreatForCoffeeBreaks”) are preferred over short, complex passwords.
Does NIST require special characters in passwords?
No. NIST discourages mandatory complexity rules (e.g., requiring numbers, symbols, and uppercase letters). Instead, longer passphrases are emphasized for better security without making passwords harder to remember.
Should passwords expire or be changed regularly?
NIST no longer recommends frequent password changes unless there is evidence of a breach or compromise. Frequent changes lead to weaker passwords as users tend to make minor, predictable alterations (e.g., “Password1” → “Password2”).
What are NIST’s recommendations for multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
NIST strongly recommends MFA, especially for sensitive accounts. The most secure methods include:
- Authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator)
- Security keys (hardware-based authentication)
- Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition)
SMS-based authentication is discouraged due to vulnerabilities like SIM swapping attacks.
How does NIST handle common or breached passwords?
NIST recommends blocking commonly used, predictable, or previously breached passwords. Organizations should compare user passwords against databases of compromised credentials (like Have I Been Pwned).
What should businesses do to comply with NIST password guidelines?
- Allow long passphrases (8-64 characters).
- Remove complexity rules (no forced numbers, special characters).
- Implement MFA for sensitive accounts.
- Use password screening to block compromised credentials.
- Stop forcing periodic password resets unless a breach is detected.
By adopting NIST’s modern password security approach, businesses can improve cybersecurity without frustrating users.

Julie Gabriel wears many hats—founder of Eyre.ai, product marketing veteran, and, most importantly, mom of two. At Eyre.ai, she’s on a mission to make communication smarter and more seamless with AI-powered tools that actually work for people (and not the other way around). With over 20 years in product marketing, Julie knows how to build solutions that not only solve problems but also resonate with users. Balancing the chaos of entrepreneurship and family life is her superpower—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
- Julie Gabrielhttps://eyre.ai/author/eyre_admin/February 13, 2025
- Julie Gabrielhttps://eyre.ai/author/eyre_admin/February 9, 2025
- Julie Gabrielhttps://eyre.ai/author/eyre_admin/February 8, 2025