# Cis AWS Foundations 2.9

> Ensure IAM password policy prevents password reuse

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-aws-foundations-2-9` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-aws-foundations-2-9`
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- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-aws-foundations-2-9

---


# Ensure IAM password policy prevents password reuse

## Description

IAM password policies can prevent the reuse of passwords by the same user. It is recommended that the password policy be configured to prevent password reuse.

## Rationale

Preventing password reuse increases account resilience against brute force and credential reuse attacks.

## Impact

Allowing password reuse increases the risk of account compromise, particularly if previously exposed or weak passwords are reused.

## Audit Procedure

### Using AWS Console

1. Sign in to the AWS Management Console and open the IAM console at https://console.aws.amazon.com/iam.
2. Click on `Account Settings` on the left Pane.
3. Ensure `Prevent password reuse` is checked.
4. Ensure `Remember XX password(s)` is set appropriately (e.g., 24 or greater).

### Using AWS CLI

1. Run the following command:

```bash
aws iam get-account-password-policy
```

2. Ensure the output includes:

```json
"PasswordReusePrevention": 24
```

## Expected Result

The IAM password policy has `PasswordReusePrevention` set to `24` or greater.

## Remediation

### Using AWS Console

1. Login to AWS Console (with appropriate permissions to View Identity Access Management Account Settings).
2. Go to `IAM Service`.
3. Select `Account Settings` on the left Pane.
4. Check `Prevent password reuse`.
5. Set `Remember XX password(s)` to **24 or greater**.

### Using AWS CLI

1. Run the following command:

```bash
aws iam update-account-password-policy --password-reuse-prevention 24
```

**Note:** All commands starting with "aws iam update-account-password-policy" can be combined into a single command.

## Default Value

By default, the AWS IAM password policy does not prevent password reuse. No password history is maintained unless explicitly configured.

## References

1. CCE-78908-1
2. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/id_credentials_passwords_account-policy.html
3. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/best-practices.html#configure-strong-password-policy

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                  | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------ | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 5.2 Use Unique Passwords | x    | x    | x    |
| v7               | 4.4 Use Unique Passwords |      | x    | x    |

## MITRE ATT&CK Mappings

| Techniques / Sub-techniques | Tactics                | Mitigations |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------- | ----------- |
| T1078.004                   | TA0001, TA0007, TA0043 | M1027       |

## Profile

Level 1 | Automated