A security administrator is concerned about the strength of user’s passwords. The company does not
want to implement a password complexity policy. Which of the following can the security Administrator
implement to mitigate the risk of an online password attack against users with weak passwords?

A.
Increase the password length requirements

B.
Increase the password history

C.
Shorten the password expiration period

D.
Decrease the account lockout time

Explanation:
Reducing the password expiration period will require passwords to be changed at the end of that period.
A password needs to be changed if it doesn’t meet the compliance requirements of the company’s
password policy, or is evidently insecure. It will also need to be changed if it has been reused, or due to
possible compromise as a result of a system intrusion. This will give online password attackers less time to
crack the weak passwords.
Incorrect Answers:
A: Increasing the password length will not make the new passwords less susceptible to online password
attackers.
B: Password history tracks previous passwords to prevent password reuse. It will not make the new
passwords less susceptible to online password attackers.
D: Account lockout automatically disables an account due to repeated failed log on attempts. When the
account is unlocked it will still have the same weak password, and still susceptible to online password
attacks.

Stewart, James Michael, CompTIA Security+ Review Guide, Sybex, Indianapolis, 2014, pp. 292-294