ForgeRock AIC Practice Exam

Does the password policy in a security system need to comply with the NIST Standard?

1. Yes, it is mandatory to follow

2. No, it does not have to follow

3. Only for federal agencies

4. Yes, but with some exceptions

The correct answer is: No, it does not have to follow

The assertion that the password policy does not have to comply with the NIST Standard can be understood within the context of how various organizations approach security frameworks. The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines are voluntary recommendations designed to enhance security and risk management strategies. While federal agencies are typically required to adhere to NIST standards due to governmental mandates, private organizations and entities outside of federal jurisdiction have discretion over which standards to implement depending on their specific needs, regulatory requirements, and risk assessments. Thus, organizations are not legally bound to adopt NIST's recommendations for password policies unless they have specific contractual obligations or regulatory requirements mandating compliance. This flexibility allows organizations to develop tailored approaches to security that align with their operational context. However, it is worth noting that many organizations choose to follow NIST standards as a best practice to improve their security posture. The understanding of compliance in this context emphasizes the non-mandatory nature of the NIST standards for non-federal entities, which helps clarify why adherence is not obligatory for all types of organizations.