A Brief History of Passwords and NIST’s New Rules | Chaos Lever

Chaos Lever Podcast

Ah, passwords—the not-so-secret keys to our digital world. In this episode, we dig into the fascinating (and flawed) history of passwords, from their Roman origins to their debut in 1960s computing, and the constant struggle between ease and security ever since. Why are we still relying on passwords that can be hacked in seconds? And what are the latest recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to make our digital identities safer?

Join us as we cover:

🔒 How passwords began, and why they’re so easily abused
🔒 The hilarious and painful ways users circumvent complex password rules
🔒 NIST's latest guidelines for making passwords simpler yet safer
🔒 The growing importance of passkeys, MFA, and password managers
🔒 Alternatives to passwords that may finally lead to better security for all

If you’re tired of juggling endless passwords or getting locked out because you can’t remember your “favorite childhood pet,” this is the episode for you.

Links:

• https://www.wired.com/2012/01/computer-password/
• https://www.troyhunt.com/passwords-evolved-authentication-guidance-for-the-modern-era/
• https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/26/business/case-of-the-purloined-password.html
• https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/FIPS/fipspub112.pdf
• https://neal.fun/password-game/
• https://pages.nist.gov/800-63-4/sp800-63b.html#password