Password, Authentication and Security Policy |
First Medical Transcription Corporation offers several Medical & healthcare related services through their web site named firstMT.com. In this document firstMT.com represent the website as well as First Medical Transcription Corporation. Passwords and user authentications are an important aspect of computer security. They are the front line of protection for user accounts. A poorly chosen password may result in the compromise of firstMT.com's entire operational network. As such, all firstMT.com employees (including contractors and vendors with access to firstMT.com systems), clients, associates, affiliates, sub-contractors and all other concern parties are responsible for taking the appropriate steps, as outlined below, to select and secure their passwords. The purpose of this policy is to establish a standard for creation of strong user authentication, passwords, the protection of those passwords, and the frequency of change. The scope of this policy includes all personnel who have or are responsible for an account (or any form of access that supports or requires a password) on any system that resides at any firstMT.com facility, has access to the firstMT.com network, or stores any non-public firstMT.com information. General
Guidelines A. General Password Construction Guidelines Passwords are used for various purposes at firstMT.com. Some of the more common uses include: user level accounts, web accounts, email accounts, FTP saver protection, voicemail password, and local router logins. Since very few systems have support for one-time tokens (i.e., dynamic passwords which are only used once), everyone should be aware of how to select strong passwords. Poor, weak passwords have the following characteristics:
Strong passwords have the following characteristics:
NOTE: Do not use either of these examples as passwords! B. Password Protection Standards Do not use the same password for firstMT.com accounts as for other non-firstMT.com access (e.g., personal ISP account, option trading, benefits, etc.). Where possible, don't use the same password for various firstMT.com access needs. For example, select one password for the web based systems and a separate password for FTP systems. Also, select a separate password to be used for an incoming account and a outgoing account. Do not share firstMT.com passwords with anyone, including administrative assistants or secretaries. All passwords are to be treated as sensitive, confidential firstMT.com information. Here is a list of "dont's":
If someone demands a password, refer them to this document or have them call firstMT.com’s support line. Do not use the "Remember Password" feature of applications (e.g., Eudora, OutLook, Netscape Messenger). Again, do not write passwords down and store them anywhere in your office. Do not store passwords in a file on ANY computer system (including Palm Pilots or similar devices) without encryption. Change passwords at least once every six months (except system-level passwords which must be changed quarterly). The recommended change interval is every four months. If an account or password is suspected to have been compromised, report the incident to firstMT.com and change all passwords. Password cracking or guessing may be performed on a periodic or random basis by firstMT.com or its delegates, in order to maintain security on individual account and eliminate vulnerabilities. If a password is guessed or cracked during one of these scans, the user will be required to change it. C. Application Development Standards Application developers for firsMT.com must ensure their programs contain the following security precautions. Applications:
D. Use of Passwords and Passphrases for Remote Access Users Access to the firstMT.com Networks via remote access is to be controlled using either a one-time password authentication or a public/private key system with a strong passphrase. E. Passphrases Passphrases are generally used for public/private key authentication. A public/private key system defines a mathematical relationship between the public key that is known by all, and the private key, that is known only to the user. Without the passphrase to "unlock" the private key, the user cannot gain access. Passphrases are not the same as passwords. A passphrase is a longer version of a password and is, therefore, more secure. A passphrase is typically composed of multiple words. Because of this, a passphrase is more secure against "dictionary attacks." A good passphrase is relatively long and contains a combination of upper and lowercase letters and numeric and punctuation characters. An example of a good passphrase: "The*?#>*@TrafficOnThe101Was*&#!#ThisMorning" All of the rules above that apply to passwords apply to passphrases. Enforcement Any user, clients, affiliate, employee, consultant, sub-contractor and concern parties found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of services. Revision History
FirstMT.com password policy. ©2004 First Medical Transcription Corporation. All rights reserved |