Benefits of Changing Your Password Regularly (2024)

The benefits of changing your password often cannot be underestimated.Your computer stores andprovidesaccess to a lot of sensitive information. Even more so when connected to a network that houses the information of your clients. Keepingall ofthis data safe and secure must be a priority. It is wise for organizations to have a password policy that requires employees to change their passwords regularly.Passwords should also be unique for each account.pimrecommends changing passwords every90 days (about 3 months).

According toThytoctic, 80% of all cyber security attacks involve a weak or stolen password. Changing your password quarterly reduces your risk of exposure and avoidsa number ofITSecuritydangers.Unfortunately, passwordsare often neglected.We have enough to worry about without thinking of changing oureleventy-million passwords, right? However, the problem ishackingand security breaches are on the rise.

Protecting your data starts with securing passwords. Passwords are your first line of defense againstcyber-attack.So,let’slook at why you should change your password often, when youshouldchange it,andsome best practices for choosing a password.

LIMITS BREACHES TO MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS

If you use the same password forallyour accounts, if one gets hacked, you should assume the others will be as well. Each account should have a unique password.For example, you should not use your Facebook password as your work password or your Target password for your mobile banking password.

PREVENTS CONSTANT ACCESS

A hacker mayattemptto access your account more than once overa period of time. Changing your password often reduces the risk that they will have frequent access.

PREVENTS USE OF SAVED PASSWORDS

If you lose or change computers, it is possible for someone else to gain access to your passwords. Regularly updating your passwords means that even if someone finds an old or saved password, it will no longer beuseful,and your data will be secure.

LIMITS ACCESS GAINED BY KEYSTROKE LOGGERS

Akeystroke loggeris surveillance technology use to record keystrokes.It is often used to steal credit card information as well as login credentials.Regularly changingyour password makes it less likely that passwords obtained this way will be useful for any length of time.

When Should You Change Your Password?

  1. After a security breach.If you have been subject toattack orhave been made aware of a breach like the Capitol One of Target breach, you need to change your password. When a company tells you thatthey have experienced a data breach, it is safer to assume that your password is no longer secure.
  2. If You Suspect Unauthorized Access.Do notwait until there is glaring evidence that you have been hacked. By that time, it isusuallytoo late. If you suspect someone hasattemptedaccess orifyou receivean email that an unauthorized user has loggedinto one of your accounts on a new device, change your password as soon as possible.
  3. If You Discover Malware orOther Phishing Software.A virus can put your computer and your entire network at risk. If you discover such software after a scan, change your passwordsimmediately, preferably from a different device than the one upon which the virus was discovered.
  4. Shared Access. Lots of people share accounts like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon.If you share your login information with someone that you are no longer in contact with, change your passwords as often as possible. This is especially true if you have a change in family status, such as a divorce.
  5. Logging in at Public Places.If you visit the library or use a public network, change your password afterwards. This will help you keep track of your digital footprint more securely.
  6. If YouHaven’tLoggedinforA While.You should always change passwords on accounts that have not been used in over a year. The more often you change your seldom-used passwords the better you will be. Especially if you are notusingtwo factorauthentication.

Password Creation Best PracticesBenefits of Changing Your Password Regularly (1)

  1. 2 Factorauthenticationis your friend.This means that to access any account, anyonetryingto access it will face a second hoop to jump through. This usually looks like texting a code to your phone and then inputting that uniqueone-timecodetologin.
  2. Audit Your Passwords.Do you use the same password in multiple places?Time to stop that. Do you include things like your name in them?Series of numbers in a sequence?Time to stop that, too.
  3. Choose passwords that are long and varied.Passwords should have at least 12 characters thatutilizeuppercase and lowercase letters, as well as numbers and special symbols.Does this seem hard to do?Tryto spella word thatis important to you but with numbers and characters replacing letters so that you can remember it.Forexample,ThisB10gRock$!Would be easy to remember, since, you know this blog rocks.
Managing your passwords can seem a daunting task.But it truly is your first line of defense against security breaches.Remember theadage.Passwords are like underwear,change them often.Do notshare them or leave them on your desk, andthey arebetter whenthey areexotic.

Benefits of Changing Your Password Regularly (2024)

FAQs

Benefits of Changing Your Password Regularly? ›

PREVENTS USE OF SAVED PASSWORDS

What are the benefits of changing your password regularly? ›

Changing your password regularly adds an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Minimizing Vulnerabilities: Over time, passwords may become compromised due to data breaches or leaks.

Why is it a good idea for users to frequently change their passwords? ›

The reason for this is fairly simple. Sometimes you might never be aware that your password for an account was compromised. But by changing your password every few months, you limit the amount of time a hacker can spend in your account and hopefully minimize the damage a cybercriminal could cause.

How regularly should you change your password? ›

But how often should you create new passwords? Cybersecurity experts recommend changing your password every three months. There may even be situations where you should change your password immediately, especially if a cybercriminal has access to your account.

Why is password reset important? ›

Why Use Password Reset & What Is Its Importance? Password reset ensures that users can regain access to their accounts in case they forget their passwords or their accounts are compromised, improving security and user experience.

What happens when you change your password? ›

What happens after you change your password. If you change or reset your password, you'll be signed out everywhere except: Devices you use to verify that it's you when you sign in. Some devices with third-party apps that you've given account access.

Why is it important to have a good password? ›

A strong password provides essential protection from financial fraud and identity theft. One of the most common ways that hackers break into computers is by guessing passwords. Simple and commonly used passwords enable intruders to easily gain access and control of a computing device.

Why changing passwords often is bad? ›

By duplicating credentials, they can access additional accounts and expose even more data. Another problem is that when users are forced to create complex passwords, they find them hard to remember. As a result, they write them down or store them where they can be seen or stolen.

Which option is the strongest password? ›

Use a mix of alphabetical and numeric, a mixture of upper and lowercase, and special characters when creating your unique passphrase. Use unique passwords or passphrases: You should have a unique password for each of your accounts.

How long is a password good? ›

At least 12 characters long but 14 or more is better. A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Not a word that can be found in a dictionary or the name of a person, character, product, or organization.

What are the benefits of self password reset? ›

Benefits of Self-Service Password Reset
  • Low-Friction User Experience. Users verify their identities and reset password in Active Directory via a simple process, which also ensures compliance with your security measures.
  • Easy Deployment. ...
  • Fewer Help Desk Requests.

Why is resetting so important? ›

On the other hand, taking time to rest and reset can help us manage stress and build resilience. When we allow ourselves to take breaks and recharge our batteries, we're better able to focus, make better decisions, and be more creative.

Why is it important to change default passwords? ›

Security best practice guidelines always call for changing default passwords as any password left on the factory preset is considered low hanging fruit, essentially just waiting to be abused by attackers to gain unauthorized access.

Why changing passwords is a bad idea? ›

By duplicating credentials, they can access additional accounts and expose even more data. Another problem is that when users are forced to create complex passwords, they find them hard to remember. As a result, they write them down or store them where they can be seen or stolen.

Why is it important to use different passwords? ›

It is important to use unique passwords and passphrases for each of your accounts to protect your accounts from cyber attacks like credential stuffing. Cyber criminals take advantage of the fact that many users reuse their credentials across various platforms. .

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