Modifying Password Policies in macOS Sierra: A Comprehensive Guide
macOS Sierra introduced several security enhancements, including the ability to customize password policies for enhanced account security. This guide will walk you through the steps of modifying password policies in macOS Sierra, enabling you to enforce stricter password requirements for your users and better protect your system.
Understanding Password Policies in macOS Sierra
Password policies define the rules for creating and using passwords. They dictate the minimum password length, complexity requirements, and the frequency of password changes. These policies play a crucial role in safeguarding your system against unauthorized access. macOS Sierra allows you to modify these policies to suit your specific security needs.
Modifying Password Policies using Directory Utility
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Accessing Directory Utility: Open the Utilities folder in your Applications folder. Locate Directory Utility and launch it.
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Selecting the Server: In Directory Utility, click on Server from the left-hand pane. This will display the servers managed by your system.
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Navigating to the Password Policy: Select the server you want to modify password policies for. Then, click on Edit from the menu bar and select Password Policy.
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Password Complexity: This section allows you to adjust the complexity of passwords. You can:
- Minimum Length: Set the minimum number of characters required for a password.
- Minimum Digits: Define the minimum number of digits a password must contain.
- Minimum Uppercase Letters: Specify the minimum number of uppercase letters needed in a password.
- Minimum Lowercase Letters: Set the minimum number of lowercase letters required.
- Minimum Non-alphanumeric Characters: Determine the minimum number of special characters (e.g., symbols, punctuation) a password should contain.
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Password Expiry: This section lets you configure the expiration of passwords.
- Password Lifetime: Specify the number of days after which users are required to change their passwords.
- Number of Password History Entries: Define the number of previous passwords a user cannot reuse. This prevents users from cycling through a small set of familiar passwords.
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Unlocking Advanced Options: Click on the Advanced button to reveal additional settings.
- Force Password Change on First Login: This option forces users to change their passwords on their first login after a new policy is implemented.
- Allow Users to Choose Their Own Password: Disabling this option forces administrators to set the initial password for new accounts.
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Save the Changes: After configuring your desired settings, click OK to save the modifications to the password policy.
Modifying Password Policies using Workgroup Manager (macOS Server)
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Launching Workgroup Manager: In macOS Server, access the Server app and open Workgroup Manager.
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Selecting the Server: In the left-hand pane, select the server whose password policy you want to change.
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Accessing the Password Policy: Click on the Password Policy tab.
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Customizing the Password Policy: The interface for configuring password policies in Workgroup Manager is similar to the one in Directory Utility. You can adjust the settings for Password Complexity, Password Expiry, and Advanced Options as explained above.
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Saving the Changes: Click Save to confirm the changes to the password policy.
Best Practices for Modifying Password Policies in macOS Sierra
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Balance Security with Usability: While strong password policies are essential for security, you should balance them with usability. Avoid excessively complex policies that frustrate users and may encourage them to use weak passwords or circumvent the policies.
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Regularly Review and Update: Password threats are constantly evolving. It is crucial to review and update your password policies regularly to ensure they remain effective and aligned with the latest security best practices.
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Educate Users: Inform users about the password policy changes and the reasons behind them. Encourage them to adopt strong passwords and follow the guidelines.
Conclusion
Modifying password policies in macOS Sierra is a crucial aspect of ensuring the security of your system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can implement robust password policies that safeguard your accounts and data from unauthorized access. Remember to strike a balance between security and usability, and to regularly review and update your policies to adapt to evolving security threats.
