8.2.1 Using strong cryptography, render all authentication credentials (such as passwords/phrases) unreadable during transmission and storage on all system components.
8.2.1.a Examine vendor documentation and system configuration settings to verify that passwords are protected with strong cryptography during transmission and storage.
8.2.1.b For a sample of system components, examine password files to verify that passwords are unreadable during storage.
8.2.1.c For a sample of system components, examine data transmissions to verify that passwords are unreadable during transmission.
8.2.1.d Additional testing procedure for service providers: Observe password files to verify that customer passwords are unreadable during storage.
8.2.1.e Additional testing procedure for service providers: Observe data transmissions to verify that customer passwords are unreadable during transmission.
Many network devices and applications transmit unencrypted, readable passwords across the network and/or store passwords without encryption. A malicious individual can easily intercept unencrypted passwords during transmission using a “sniffer,” or directly access unencrypted passwords in files where they are stored, and use this data to gain unauthorized access.