Why you should change your passwords regularly

Passwords are like the unsung heroes of your online life—until they’re not. If you’re still rocking the same password from 3 years ago, it’s probably time for a change. Why? Because data breaches are happening all the time, and leaked passwords often end up on the dark web. If your long-loved password is on one of those lists, someone could be snooping through your accounts before you’ve even had your morning coffee.

And then there’s the whole password-guessing game. Hackers have tools that can crack weak passwords faster than you can say “123456.” Speaking of “123456,” the more your password looks like it, the easier it is to break. Regular updates make it harder for hackers to guess passwords, keeping your accounts locked tight.

Let’s not forget password reuse—a habit many are guilty of. Using the same password across multiple accounts is like giving every lock in your life the same key. If one account is breached, the others might as well. And so, using a unique password for each of your accounts helps protect the others if one is compromised.

And sometimes, things just happen—phishing scams, suspicious downloads, and maybe even that sketchy Wi-Fi you connected to at the café last week. Regularly updating your passwords helps you stay ahead of any sneaky situations you might not even know about.

How often should passwords be changed?

Figuring out how often to change your passwords can feel a bit like guessing how often to replace your toothbrush—not too often, but definitely not never. Here’s a quick breakdown by account type to help you decide.

Workplace accounts

For work-related accounts, follow your company’s IT guidelines or security policies. Many organizations rely on recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which suggests focusing on strong, unique passwords and changing them only if there’s a specific reason, like a breach or suspected compromise. However, some workplaces may still require regular updates every 60–90 days, so check with your employer.

Personal accounts

For your personal accounts, how often passwords should be changed depends on how sensitive the information is and how often you use the account. Online shopping? Maybe once a year unless there’s a breach. Social media? The same rule applies. But for accounts with access to private photos, communications, or personal data, like cloud storage or subscriptions, consider changing passwords every 6–12 months.

High-risk accounts

High-risk accounts—like your bank, healthcare portals, or email—deserve extra attention. It’s a good idea to change these passwords every 3–6 months. And don’t wait for a breach—make it part of your routine. If your email password gets compromised, it could be a direct line to resetting your passwords on dozens of other accounts, including the high-risk ones.

Inactive accounts

For accounts you rarely use (or forgot they even existed), it’s better to delete them entirely if possible. An unused account with an old, weak password can be a jackpot for hackers. If account deletion isn’t an option, at least update the password to something very strong and unique. This will minimize the chances of an old account being a weak link in your security chain.

By adjusting your password habits based on the type of account, you can strike a balance between staying secure and not feeling like you’re constantly changing passwords for no reason.

Signs that it’s time to update your password immediately

Sometimes, waiting for your next scheduled password update isn’t an option. If any of the situations below sound familiar, it’s time to take action and update your password right away.

You receive a data breach notification

If you get an email or see news that a service you use has been hacked, change your password for that account immediately. Bonus tip: If you’ve reused that password elsewhere (we’ve all done it), update those accounts too.

You notice unusual activity on your account

Strange logins from unfamiliar locations? Messages you didn’t authorize? These are major red flags that someone might already have access to your account. Change your password right away to regain control and lock them out.

Your password has been shared

Whether you’ve shared your password with a friend, family member, or colleague, you’ve made it not only yours. And the more people who know your password, the less secure it becomes. If you’ve shared it even once with someone you trust, make sure to update it sooner rather than later.

You’ve used the same password for too long

Even the best passwords can wear out their welcome. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve changed your password, it’s probably been in use for too long. So, don’t wait for any signs of trouble—go ahead and change it now.

You fell for a phishing attempt

If you’ve clicked a suspicious link or entered your password on a fake website, assume it’s compromised and change it immediately. This is especially important for your email and other high-risk accounts.

Your device was lost or stolen

If your phone, laptop, or tablet is missing—and it’s not protected by strong passwords or encryption—update the passwords for any accounts logged in on that device. This ensures the attacker can’t access your accounts, even if they manage to unlock your device.

Common myths about frequent password changes

Password advice is everywhere, but not all of it is helpful—or true. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about how often you should change your passwords.

You need to change your password every 30 days

Unless your password has been compromised (or you’re dealing with a super-sensitive work account), there’s no need to change it monthly. Frequent changes can actually backfire, leading people to use simpler passwords they can remember easily (and hackers can guess just as easily). Focus on having strong, unique passwords instead of following a rigid schedule.

A slight tweak counts as changing your password

Swapping “Password123” for “Password124” doesn’t fool anyone—especially not hackers. Small changes like this are just as predictable as the original password. When it’s time to update, go for something entirely new and unrelated.

Password managers make frequent changes unnecessary

Password managers do a great job of keeping your credentials safe and unique, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about updates. If one of your accounts is involved in a breach, you still need to change that password ASAP—your password manager just makes it easier to do so

Tips for managing and regularly updating passwords with ease

Keeping track of passwords and updating them doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right strategies, you can simplify the process and boost your security. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of it all:

Use a password manager

A password manager is a game-changer for keeping your accounts secure. It stores all your passwords securely, generates strong and unique ones for every account, and even fills them in for you. By combining zero-knowledge architecture and encryption technology, password managers like NordPass allow you to securely access your credentials and reduce the chances of a malicious party taking over your vault.

NordPass uses the XChaCha20 algorithm to encrypt your data directly on your device so that when it reaches cloud servers, it cannot be opened without your Master Password. In addition to your secure vault, you’ll also have access to features that help strengthen your data security, such as Password Health, which checks for weak or reused passwords, and Data Breach Scanner, which alerts you if you’re affected by a password data leak.

Set reminders for regular changes

Life gets busy, and sometimes it’s easy to forget about updating your passwords. Set reminders every 6–12 months for personal accounts or more frequently for high-risk ones. You can use calendar apps or even your password manager to nudge you when it’s time for a refresh.

Create strong passwords

When updating passwords, aim for a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid predictable patterns like “password” or “1234.” A password manager can generate complex ones for you, but if you want to stick to doing things manually, try using passphrases—random combinations of unrelated words (e.g., “BlueTurtleDrums$23”).

Avoid password reuse

As we’ve mentioned before, using the same password across multiple accounts is a big no-no. If one account is breached, hackers can use that password to access others. So, always create unique passwords for every account, and let your password manager handle the juggling act.

Try passkeys

Passkeys rely on a pair of cryptographic keys: a private key saved on the user’s device and a public key stored on the website’s server. When the two keys are successfully matched, often triggered by biometric authentication, access is granted. They’re easier to use and nearly impossible for hackers to steal. If an account offers passkeys as an option, consider switching—it’s a big step toward better security.