ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
According to NIST SP 800-63, which password policy is most effective for user authentication?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Require a minimum length of 15 characters and check against breached password lists, without requiring complexity or frequent changes
NIST SP 800-63 recommends favoring longer passwords (15+ characters for high assurance) over complexity, and avoiding frequent forced changes unless compromised.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Require a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols, and force password changes every 30 days
Why it's wrong here
Frequent forced changes are discouraged; length is prioritized over complexity.
- ✗
Require a minimum length of 6 characters with no other requirements
Why it's wrong here
6 characters is insufficient; NIST recommends at least 8, preferably 15+.
- ✓
Require a minimum length of 15 characters and check against breached password lists, without requiring complexity or frequent changes
Why this is correct
Correct. This aligns with NIST guidance: favor length, avoid forced changes unless compromised, and screen against known breaches.
- ✗
Require a minimum length of 8 characters and check against breached password lists
Why it's wrong here
8 characters is minimum; 15+ is recommended for high assurance. However, checking against breached lists is good, but length is key.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Authentication and Authorization Methods
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
Key term
Password policy
A set of rules designed to enhance computer security by encouraging users to create strong, secure passwords and store them properly.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CC exam.