One of the most common questions in password security is: "How often should I change my passwords?" The answer has evolved over time as cybersecurity threats and best practices have developed. Let's explore the current expert recommendations for 2025.
The Evolution of Password Change Recommendations
For years, major organizations like Microsoft and NIST recommended changing passwords every 90 days. This advice was based on the idea that frequent changes would limit the damage if a password was compromised.
However, modern research has led to a shift in thinking. In 2017, NIST updated their guidelines, moving away from mandatory 90-day password rotations. Their research showed that forced frequent changes often led to weaker passwords, as users would make minor, predictable modifications (like changing "Summer2025!" to "Summer2025!1").
Current Consensus (2025)
Passwords should be changed based on risk factors rather than arbitrary timeframes. This risk-based approach provides better security while reducing user frustration.
Recommended Frequency by Account Type
Not all accounts carry the same level of risk. Here's how often security experts recommend changing passwords for different account categories in 2025:
High-Security Accounts: Every 6-12 Months
For accounts containing sensitive financial information or personal data, including:
- Online banking and financial accounts
- Email accounts (especially those used for password recovery)
- Cloud storage accounts with sensitive documents
- Healthcare and medical records accounts
Medium-Security Accounts: Every 12-18 Months
For accounts with moderate sensitivity:
- Social media accounts
- E-commerce platforms
- Subscription services
- Work accounts (non-administrative)
Low-Security Accounts: 18-24 Months or As Needed
For accounts with minimal sensitive information:
- News websites
- Forum accounts
- Entertainment streaming services
- Free online tools and services
When You Should Change Your Password Immediately
Regardless of your regular schedule, there are specific situations that demand an immediate password change:
1. After a Data Breach
If you receive a notification that a service you use has experienced a data breach, change your password immediately – even if you haven't noticed any suspicious activity.
2. When You Suspect Unauthorized Access
Signs like unrecognized activity, missing data, or unusual account changes mean you should change your password right away – and enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already.
3. After Sharing a Password
If you've shared a password with someone (which we generally don't recommend) and no longer need to, change it immediately. This includes situations where you've given temporary access to a service.
4. When Using Public Computers
If you've logged into any account using a public computer or unknown device, change your password as soon as you can from a trusted device.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When changing passwords, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Making minor, predictable changes to your old password
- Reusing the same password across multiple accounts
- Creating simple passwords that are easy to remember but also easy to crack
- Storing new passwords insecurely (like in plain text files)
Best Practices for Password Changes
When it's time to update your passwords, follow these guidelines:
- Create truly new passwords, not variations of your old ones
- Ensure new passwords are at least 16 characters long with mixed character types
- Use a password manager to generate and store your new passwords
- After changing, verify you can successfully log in with the new password
- Consider enabling two-factor authentication for an extra security layer
Conclusion
The days of mindlessly changing all your passwords every 90 days are over. Today's approach to password rotation is smarter and more risk-based, focusing on changing passwords when necessary rather than on an arbitrary schedule.
By categorizing your accounts, staying vigilant for security incidents, and creating strong new passwords when changes are needed, you can maintain better security while minimizing frustration.
Need help creating a strong new password? Try our secure password generator for robust, unique passwords that will keep your accounts protected.
Comments (18)
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Michael Brown
1 day agoThis is really helpful! I've been changing all my passwords every 3 months like clockwork, but it's good to know I can be more strategic. I'll definitely adjust my approach based on account importance.
Sarah Johnson
3 days agoI work in IT security, and I completely agree with this risk-based approach. The old 90-day rule was causing more problems than it solved. People would just add a number at the end and call it a new password!
Thomas Wright
5 days agoWhat's your take on password expiration policies for work accounts? My company still enforces 60-day changes, which is really annoying. Is there any way to push back on that?
Jane Smith (Author)
4 days agoMany organizations are updating their policies, but some still lag behind. You could share the NIST guidelines with your IT department – they're considered the gold standard. Emphasize that longer, unchanged strong passwords are better than frequently changed weak ones.
