MaxxKonnect Launches FCC Password Generator

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, September 11, 2026 | 1:34pm CT

MaxxKonnect

MaxxKonnect has launched a free web-based password generator designed to help radio and television broadcasters meet new FCC cybersecurity requirements for certain broadcast equipment. The requirements were adopted as part of FCC 26-38 and added to Section 11.35(d) of the Commission's Emergency Alert System rules. They apply to EAS equipment, studio-transmitter link equipment and remotely managed equipment that routes, processes or inserts content into a station's programming.

Under the rule, broadcasters must replace default passwords before covered equipment is used to broadcast, use passwords of at least 15 characters that do not contain dictionary words and avoid reusing those passwords for other accounts, equipment, applications or services. Passwords must also be changed when there is reason to believe they have been compromised.

MaxxKonnect said its generator creates random 15-character passwords and screens the results to exclude dictionary words as well as common one- and two-letter words. Password generation takes place locally in the user's browser, and the company says passwords are not stored, logged or transmitted.

"Stations are going to need a lot of new passwords in a short window, for equipment that in some cases has never had its default credentials changed," said MaxxKonnect Vice President of Engineering Mike Hutchens. "We built this so engineers, owners, whomever needs to - can generate compliant passwords quickly without having to think through the requirements every time."

The password provisions are only one part of the FCC's new cybersecurity requirements. The rules also require covered broadcasters to promptly install security patches and security-related software and firmware updates and use a firewall or comparable network-segmentation method to restrict remote management access.

MaxxKonnect said its engineers are also available to help stations identify equipment covered by the rules, locate default or reused passwords, review firmware and update status and assess firewall and network-segmentation configurations.

The password generator is available free without an account at fccpassword.com.