V-288393

Discussion

Passwords provide a form of access control that prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing computing resources and sensitive data. Passwords may also be a source of entropy for generation of key encryption or data encryption keys. If a password is not required to access data, this data is accessible to any adversary who obtains physical possession of the device. Requiring that a password be successfully entered before the mobile device data is unencrypted mitigates this risk. Note: The MDFPP requires a Password Authentication Factor and requires management of its length and complexity. It leaves open whether the existence of a password is subject to management. This requirement addresses the configuration to require a password, which is critical to the cybersecurity posture of the device. SFR ID: FIA_UAU_EXT.1.1

Check Content

Review configuration settings to require a passcode to unencrypt device data. Data saved on an iPhone or iPad will not be unencrypted until a passcode is successfully entered.

This procedure is performed in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool and on the iPhone and iPad. 

Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review. 

In the MDM server, verify in the Declarative Device Management (DDM) configuration "Passcode" that "Require passcode" has been set to "Yes".

On the iPhone and iPad: 
1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Tap "General".
3. Tap "VPN & Device Management".
4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the MDM server containing the policy.
5. Tap "Configurations".
6. Tap "Passcode".
7. Verify "Require passcode" is set to "Yes".

If "Passcode required" is not set to "Yes" in the MDM server or on the iPhone or iPad, this is a finding.