Best Practices for Changing Passwords: Frequency Guidelines

Last Updated on July 12, 2025 by Editorial

Most people overlook the best practices for changing passwords, yet it’s crucial for protecting them from dangerous hackers. Passwords act as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to accounts and sensitive data. Changing passwords frequently is key to maintaining your security and privacy. 

You may be wondering about the optimal frequency for updating your saved passwords. Some people think frequent changes are necessary, while others may not see the point unless there’s a known breach. Today we explore the importance of adhering to the best practices for changing passwords, 

So read on to the end to find out how you can keep yourself safe by staying a step ahead of potential hackers.

Factors to Consider Before You Change Your Passwords

Several factors influence the frequency of changing passwords. They include the following.

Nature of the Account

The type of account you’re dealing with significantly impacts the best practices for changing passwords that you go with. For example, online banking and email accounts, which usually contain sensitive financial and personal information, require more frequent password changes. 

High-value targets for cybercriminals, such as accounts used for business or managing sensitive projects, also warrant more frequent updates of password phrases. This is to ensure they remain secure.

Sensitivity of Information

The sensitivity of the information stored in an account is critical in determining password change frequency. Accounts with highly confidential information, such as personal identification details, financial data, or proprietary business information, need more stringent password update policies. 

On the other hand, accounts with less sensitive information may not require as frequent changes, though maintaining good password hygiene is always a smart practice.

Recent Security Incidents

Recent security incidents, whether they involve your accounts directly or not, should prompt immediate password changes. If a company you have an account with experiences a data breach, it’s wise to change your password immediately. 

Similarly, updating your saved passwords can prevent potential unauthorized access if you notice any unusual activity on your accounts. Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and breaches helps you react promptly and protect your accounts more effectively.

Security Policies and Regulations

Many organizations are governed by a password expiration policy and regulations that dictate password change frequency. This is a solid way of maintaining best practices for changing passwords.

Sectors like finance, healthcare, and government must often adhere to strict security guidelines to protect sensitive data. 

Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States mandate regular password updates to ensure compliance and safeguard user information.

Recommended Intervals for Changing Passwords

So, how often should you change your regular or even Chrome passwords? Here are some best practices for changing passwords that you can follow depending on the nature of the account in question.

Personal Accounts

The recommended best practices for changing passwords for personal accounts vary based on their sensitivity and your online behavior.

It’s good to reset your password every three to six months for critical accounts, such as online banking, email, and social media. Using the same password phrases across multiple sites is not recommended

Professional and Work Accounts

In professional settings, organizational security standards and industry regulations often dictate password change policies. Generally, the best practices for changing passwords in this situation is every 60 to 90 days. 

Employers may also implement automated reminders or enforce mandatory password renewal guidelines to maintain this schedule.

High-Security Accounts

More stringent password policies apply to accounts that require the highest level of security, such as those in the government, finance, and healthcare sectors. For these high-security accounts, it is recommended that passwords be changed every 30 to 60 days. 

This helps safeguard highly sensitive information and complies with regulatory requirements like HIPAA for healthcare and PCI-DSS for financial services.

General Best Practices for Changing Passwords

While specific intervals can vary, following some general best practices for changing passwords can enhance your overall password security:

1. Use a Unique Password for Each Account

Using the same password phrase everywhere makes life easier, until one site gets hacked. Then, every account tied to that password is wide open. Hackers often test stolen logins across multiple platforms just to see what works.

The best way to avoid that mess is to give each account its password. That way, even if one gets exposed, the rest stay safe. It’s one of the most effective best practices for changing passwords, and it stops small issues from turning into big ones.

2. Make Passwords 12 Characters or Longer

Short passwords are easier to guess or crack. The longer the password, the harder it is for anyone to break in, especially if it’s random. That extra length adds real strength.

Using passwords with at least 12 characters whenever you change a password is highly recommended. This is one of the best practices for changing passwords that works against modern hacking tools. Longer doesn’t mean harder to remember if you use a passphrase or sentence you can recall.

3. Mix Uppercase, Lowercase, Numbers, and Symbols

Using passwords with only letters or numbers makes your password predictable. Hackers use tools that can test combinations in seconds if they’re too simple.

The best passphrase examples use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. When following best practices for changing passwords, think of it like building a lock with many parts. Random symbols slow attackers down and keep your info safer.

4. Switch to Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single Sign-On (SSO) allows you to access multiple applications and services using one set of credentials. This method simplifies login processes and reduces the number of passwords you must manage. 

SSOs are commonly used in enterprise environments, where employees can access various work-related applications through a single secure portal. Services like Google’s SSO and Microsoft’s Azure AD offer robust security features, including MFA, to enhance protection.

5. Avoid Using Personal Information

Names, birthdays, favorite sports teams, or pet names may feel personal, but they’re usually the first things hackers try. If someone knows you, or even looks at your social profiles, they can guess these easily.

Instead, go with random words or combinations that don’t relate to your life. If it sounds like something your best friend could guess, don’t use it. Best practices for changing passwords always start with thinking like someone trying to break in.

6. Use a Password Manager

Trying to remember dozens of long, random passwords just doesn’t work for most people. It’s one reason people fall back on weak or reused passwords. You need the best password manager to keep track of all your logins.

A password manager stores all your passwords safely and helps you create strong ones without the mental load. It handles the hard part, so you can stick to the best practices for changing passwords without stressing about remembering everything.

Examples of good password managers include LastPass, Google Password Manager, Nordpass, 1Password, Dashlane, and Bitwarden, just to mention a few. They can help you generate a secure phrase that’s hard to crack.

7. Don’t Reuse Old Passwords

It’s easy to think reusing an old password is harmless, especially if you have a short memory. Old passwords feel familiar, but they are not a good idea. They might already be floating around on the dark web from previous breaches.

Using the same password again is like locking your door with a key that someone might already have. Always create something fresh. If remembering new ones feels like a chore, this is where a password saver can help.

8. Change Passwords After a Breach

Not all breaches hit the news, and some companies won’t even tell you. That’s why you need to keep an eye out. If you hear about a data leak involving a service you use, act fast.

Changing your password right after a breach limits the damage. It gives hackers less time to try breaking into your account. Best practices for changing passwords include being quick to respond when something feels off.

9. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

One of the best alternatives to relying solely on passwords is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods. 

Typically, this includes something you know (a password), something you have (a smartphone or hardware token), and something you are (biometric verification like a fingerprint or facial recognition). Even if someone can get your password, they still need the second factor to gain access.

10. Don’t Write Passwords Down in Plain Sight

Leaving passwords on sticky notes or saving them in a file named “passwords” is broadcasting them. Anyone who walks by or opens your computer can see them.

If you must write them down, keep that list hidden and locked up. Or better yet, use a password manager instead. Best practices for changing passwords aren’t just about the passwords themselves; they’re about how you handle them.

11. Log Out of Shared or Public Devices

It’s easy to forget to log out, especially when you’re in a rush. But shared computers, like in schools, libraries, or even a friend’s laptop, can store your info and keep sessions active.

Always log out and clear your browser history after using a public device. If someone gets access to your account, it won’t matter how strong your password is. Best practices for changing passwords go hand-in-hand with basic account safety.

12. Use Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication uses unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, to verify your identity. These methods are difficult to replicate and provide a high level of security. 

Many modern smartphones and laptops are equipped with biometric scanners, making biometric authentication a convenient and secure option. Because it relies on your unique biological traits, biometric authentication reduces the risk of password-related breaches.

13. Use Passphrases for Stronger Protection

A passphrase is just a short sentence that’s easier to remember and harder to guess. Something like “TacosAreGreatOnFridays!” is strong, long, and still easy to recall.

Passphrases work better than random strings because you’re more likely to remember them. Plus, you’re less likely to write them down. They fit perfectly into the best practices for changing passwords without adding stress.

14. Watch Out for Phishing Emails

Hackers don’t always break in. They wait for you to open the door. Phishing emails trick you into giving away your password by mimicking real websites or urgent messages.

Always double-check where a message came from before clicking any links. If something feels off, it probably is. Best practices for changing passwords are all about knowing when someone’s trying to trick you out of yours.

15. Use Hardware Security Keys

Hardware security keys, such as YubiKey or Google Titan, provide a physical authentication method. These devices plug into your computer or connect via Bluetooth to verify your identity. 

When logging into an account, you must have the physical key to complete the authentication process. This method is highly secure because it requires possession of the hardware key, making remote attacks much more difficult.

Common Misconceptions About Changing Passwords

Have you encountered any password misconceptions from people in your line of work? Here are the most common ones.

Changing Passwords Frequently vs. Using Strong Passwords

One common misconception is that changing passwords frequently is more important than having a strong password. While regular updates are beneficial, they are only as effective if the passwords are strong. 

A strong password—one that is long, unique, and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols—provides a much stronger defense against unauthorized access than simply changing a weak password often.

The Myth of the Uncrackable Password

No password is completely immune to cracking, especially with advances in computing power and techniques such as brute force attacks. However, a passphrase—a sequence of random words—can significantly increase security. 

For example, “BatteryHorseStapleCorrect” is harder to crack than “P@ssw0rd123.” Understanding that no password is uncrackable highlights the importance of additional security measures, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Over-Reliance on Password Complexity

Many believe that increasing password complexity (e.g., mandatory inclusion of special characters, numbers, and uppercase letters) is the ultimate safeguard. While complexity is important, it can also lead to user frustration and poor password practices, such as writing down passwords or using predictable patterns. 

A long, memorable passphrase can be more secure and user-friendly than a complex, hard-to-remember password. Security experts now recommend focusing on length and uniqueness over complexity alone, which strikes a balance between security and usability.

Conclusion

Even the most secure phrases can be breached, and making them strong and complex isn’t the only thing you can do. You stand a better chance of changing passwords every six months to stay ahead of potential hackers. 

Never use the same password phrases for too long, whether it’s your day-to-day social media account or a sensitive banking profile. Now you know the importance of changing your passwords regularly. An effective password rotation will save your life.

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