Strong Passwords for Dev Environments

TL;DR

No, weak passwords are never acceptable, even for internal development environments. They create a significant cyber security risk. This guide explains why and how to fix it.

Why Weak Passwords Are a Problem

1. Breach Entry Point: Development systems often hold sensitive data – code, database schemas, API keys, even test customer information. A compromised dev account is a direct route into your production environment.
2. Lateral Movement: Attackers gaining access to one weak account can easily move through your network, finding more valuable targets.
3. Supply Chain Risk: If your development systems are breached, attackers could inject malicious code into your software supply chain.
4. Compliance Issues: Many regulations (like GDPR) require reasonable security measures, which includes strong passwords.

How to Improve Password Security in Development

1. Password Policy Enforcement: Implement a strict password policy across all systems, including development.
   • Minimum length (at least 12 characters is recommended).
   • Complexity requirements (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols).
   • Regular password changes (every 90 days is common, but consider alternatives like passphrases).
   • Prohibit reuse of previous passwords.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
   • Use authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy).
   • Consider hardware security keys (YubiKey).
   • Enable MFA for all developer accounts and critical services.
3. Password Managers: Encourage developers to use password managers.
   • They generate strong, unique passwords.
   • They securely store credentials.
   • Examples include 1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden.
4. Secrets Management: Never hardcode sensitive information (passwords, API keys) directly into code.
   • Use dedicated secrets management tools like HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, Azure Key Vault.
   • Example using environment variables in Python:

     import os
     api_key = os.environ.get('MY_API_KEY')
     

5. Regular Security Audits: Periodically review your development systems for vulnerabilities.
   • Scan for weak passwords using tools like hydra or password cracking software (for testing purposes only, with permission!).
   • Check access logs for suspicious activity.
6. Automated Password Rotation: For service accounts and automated processes, automate the process of changing passwords regularly.
   • Many secrets management tools offer this functionality.

Tools to Help

• Password Strength Testers: Online tools can assess password strength (but don’t enter real passwords!).
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems: Collect and analyze security logs.