Think changing your password every few months keeps you safe? Think again. Experts killed the 90-day password reset policy about a decade ago for a reason, but many IT departments still haven’t gotten the memo.
The problem with forced rotation
When experts advise against memorized secrets being changed arbitrarily, it’s because forcing users to change passwords regularly can actually lower security. This is known as the “compliance trap,” where policies are kept to satisfy audits rather than prevent actual breaches.
In fact, researchers found that attackers can often guess next-generation passwords with just a few attempts. Forcing rotation trains users to create weaker passwords and increases security fatigue, leading to risky behaviors like writing passwords on sticky notes or using the same password for every account.
A better approach
The alternative to 90-day password resets is four pillars of modern security: multi-factor authentication (MFA), compromise alerts, passkeys, and password managers. By implementing these measures, users can enjoy stronger protection without the frustration and cognitive load of forced rotation.
Instead of relying on outdated policies, take control of your digital life today. Check that your primary accounts have moved beyond simple passwords and use modern protections like MFA or passkeys to keep yourself safe online.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/password-advice-youve-been-following-for-years-is-actually-dangerous