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Tech Tip Tuesday: Passwords

How Often Should I Update My Password?

Are you aware of the best practices to avoid security breaches? Since the pandemic hit in 2020, phishing and fraud scams have become more prevalent. One way to counter these attacks is maintaining strong security over your passwords and knowing the right time to update them. How often should you update your password? Here’s a spoiler alert: the answer might surprise you.

So, how often should you update your password?

The answer to this question has been somewhat elusive over the years. But, it’s even changed recently! Conventional wisdom now suggests “rarely, if ever.” Why? We’ll explain, but only so long as you follow the below criteria:

  1. Use a unique password (meaning you use it once and nowhere else at all).
  2. Keep your password long. Complexity (with stuff like $%1_) is less important than length. Use a passphrase to extend the life of your password. Of course, throwing in a $ymbol never hurts. Regardless, never use a password less than 8-10 characters.
  3. Has your password been compromised? Sites like https://haveibeenpwned.com and other monitoring services can alert you if your credential is found in a security breach.

Follow the above, and there’s rarely a reason to update your password. Studies show that updating a password frequently leads to more easily guessed answers. For tips on keeping up with all your unique passwords securely, check out our prior tech tip titled “Password managers and keychains,” which is here. And, don’t forget to watch APC’s blog space for thought-leadership pieces on business intelligence tools, data science, and management/data governance.

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