change passwords how often?

Question

How often do you recommend passwords get changed to avoid id theft? I use paypal and many other sites regularly, it is a pain to do it, but I know it is necessary.

Answer 1

The frequency of your password change is determined by the password you use. Weak passwords should be changed daily. Medium should be changed weekly and not longer than monthly. Strong should be changed every 3 months and very strong passwords should be changed in 6 months.

Here is a Microsoft site where you can test your passwords strength:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx

In the section below the checker is a link for how to make a strong password. It is a good read.

Answer 2

In school districts they make the teachers and the students changes their password every 20 weeks or 5 months. If you feel that you are losing your password to someone change it as often has needed.

Answer 3

Try changing your passwords every 90 days, not too frequent but not too long also.

Answer 4

That is hard to quantify. If you have a lot of exposure, you might want to change daily. Most times, you could do it every week or even every six months. It just depends on a lot of variables.

Answer 5

I'd say every 2-3 weeks waiting too long is a recipe for disaster.