How Often Should I Change My Password for User Accounts: Best Practices with Password Managers

One of the most common questions in cybersecurity is 'how often should I change my password for user accounts?' The answer, as it turns out, might surprise you. Just like many things in cybersecurity, the traditional wisdom is not always the best approach. In fact, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), you don’t need to change your password unless you suspect it has been compromised. This article will explore why this is the case and discuss best practices for managing your passwords.

Changes in Password Guidelines

For a long time, the conventional wisdom held that passwords should be changed every 90 days or less. This was based on the assumption that password cracking techniques were improving over time, making it necessary to change passwords frequently to maintain security. However, research and expert recommendations from organizations such as the NIST, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and the National Security Agency (NSA) have shifted this view.

The NIST has published NIST.SP.800-63B, which advises against changing passwords unless there is a high risk of compromise or the password has been compromised. The rationale behind this is that frequent password changes encourage users to use simpler, less secure passwords and weaken overall security.

Using a Password Manager

The recommendation from experts is to get a password manager and let it generate unique, complex passwords for each of your accounts. A password manager is a tool that securely stores your passwords and automatically fills them in when you need to log in to an account. This is a much more secure approach than managing passwords manually.

The benefits of using a password manager include:

Secure storage: Passwords are stored with strong encryption. Automatic login: The password manager fills in your credentials automatically, reducing the risk of accidental exposure. Complexity: Passwords are generated to be strong and unique, making them much harder to crack.

Some popular password managers include:

LastPass 1Password Dashlane

Customizing Your Approach

While the recommendation is to change your password only if you suspect it has been compromised, this doesn’t mean you should rely solely on third-party guidelines. Your password change frequency should depend on the sensitivity of the information you’re protecting and the risk of your password being compromised. For example, if you’re using a password for a bank account, it might be wise to change it more frequently than for a less sensitive account.

Here are some guidelines to consider:

Sensitive accounts: Change passwords at least once a year, or more frequently if you suspect a breach. Low-risk accounts: Consider changing passwords every 90-120 days, but this can vary based on individual circumstances and security practices. High-risk accounts: Change passwords immediately if you suspect a breach or if there is a credible threat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best approach to managing your passwords is to use a password manager and let it generate and store unique, complex passwords for you. This is a more secure and user-friendly approach compared to manually managing passwords. By doing so, you can focus on the sensitivity of the accounts and your personal risk factors to determine the appropriate password change frequency.

Remember, the key to a secure password is not just its length or complexity, but also its uniqueness and the measures you take to protect it. Embrace these best practices and improve your overall cybersecurity posture.