How do strong password policies contribute to network security?

Strong password policies significantly enhance network security by requiring users to create passwords that are complex and difficult for unauthorized individuals to guess or brute-force. When users are mandated to use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, it greatly increases the number of possible password combinations. This complexity serves as a formidable barrier against attackers who might try to gain access to accounts through guessing or automated attack methods.

In addition, such policies often enforce minimum password lengths and require regular updates, which compels users to periodically change their passwords and mitigate the risk posed by potential leaks or theft of their credentials. By adhering to these standards, organizations not only protect sensitive data and resources from unauthorized access but also establish a more secure environment that is resilient against common attack vectors targeting weak passwords.

The other choices do not support the premise of strong password policies contributing positively to network security. For instance, enforcing longer login times for users does not inherently strengthen security, and eliminating the need for user authentication completely undermines the whole concept of security.