Password Complexity Policy

Enforcing Password Complexity on CentOS 7

In this scenario, we are going to learn how to enforce password complexity policy on CentOS 7 and similar derivatives.

As you realize, the traditional way of using passwords is still the major method of authenticating to various services.

As a result, it is a good idea for every system admin to ensure that strong password policy is enforced since it is always the first line of defense security wise.

Objectives of this Scenario

• Enforce password complexity policy on CentOS 7 and similar derivatives using pwquality Pluggable Authentication Module.
• Disable password re-use using pwhistory PAM module

Reference

• man pam_pwquality
• man pam_pwhistory