NIST 800-171 3.5.9 (IA.L2-3.5.9): Temporary Passwords
Allow temporary password use for system logons with an immediate change to a permanent password.
CMMC Level 2 practice IA.L2-3.5.9
What 3.5.9 means in practice
When an account is created or a password is reset with a temporary password, the user must replace it with a permanent one at the first sign-in. Identity providers and directories have a setting for this, and help desk procedures should use it every time.
SPRS points and the CMMC POA&M
- CMMC Level 2 practice
- IA.L2-3.5.9
- SPRS points
- 1 point. When it is not met, the DoD Assessment Methodology subtracts 1 from the score of 110.
- CMMC POA&M
- Allowed. It is worth 1 point, and 32 CFR 170.21(a)(2)(ii) admits requirements worth 1 point. Conditional status also needs a score of at least 88, and the item must be closed within 180 days.
Sources: NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Methodology, version 1.2.1 (June 24, 2020), Annex A; 32 CFR 170.21, Plan of Action and Milestones requirements.
What an assessor checks for 3.5.9
NIST SP 800-171A gives one determination statement for 3.5.9.
Determine if an immediate change to a permanent password is required when a temporary password is used for system logon.
NIST SP 800-171A (June 2018), assessment objectives for 3.5.9
Evidence that shows 3.5.9 is met
- The account creation and password reset procedure.
- Identity provider or directory settings that force a change at the next sign-in.
- A sample of help desk tickets showing the forced change in use.
How PolicyCortex gathers the evidence
No PolicyCortex collector reads the evidence for 3.5.9. Your team provides the evidence listed above.
Meet the requirement once. Keep the evidence current.
- Published
- Last updated
- Unchanged since publication