Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

According to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, which password example best meets current guidelines for passwords?

1. m3d3c1n3

2. 12161982

3. Bowser$2

4. Goattreepencil

The correct answer is: Goattreepencil

The answer provided reflects an understanding of the importance of creating strong passwords according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. The password 'Goattreepencil' effectively meets current recommendations for password creation, as it is a long passphrase. NIST guidelines encourage the use of longer passwords or passphrases, which often consist of multiple words. This approach enhances security by increasing the number of possible combinations and making it more resistant to guessing and brute-force attacks. In contrast, the other options are generally less secure for the following reasons: - 'm3d3c1n3' utilizes a pattern of leetspeak, where letters are replaced with numbers, which can be vulnerable to targeted attacks that account for common substitutions. - '12161982' is a predictable numeric sequence that represents a date, making it easily guessable by an attacker who might use personal information to generate passwords. - 'Bowser$2' employs a mix of characters, but it is relatively short and may not provide the security necessary against modern attack methods. Using a passphrase like 'Goattreepencil' aligns well with NIST's focus on usability and security, making it preferable in a password management strategy.