Description: Password expiration is a security policy that requires users to change their passwords after a certain period. This practice is implemented to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to accounts and systems, as passwords can be compromised without the user’s knowledge. Password expiration is based on the premise that, over time, passwords can become vulnerable due to brute force attacks, phishing, or data breaches. By forcing users to update their passwords regularly, the aim is to reduce the window of opportunity for an attacker to use stolen credentials. Expiration policies can vary in duration, from 30 days to several months, depending on the sensitivity of the protected information. Additionally, these policies are often accompanied by recommendations for creating secure passwords, such as using combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters. Although password expiration is a common security measure, it has also been the subject of debate, as some experts argue that it can lead to the creation of weaker passwords if users are forced to change them too frequently.
History: The password expiration policy began to gain popularity in the 1980s when organizations started to recognize the importance of computer security. As computers and networks became more common, so did security threats. In 1993, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. published the document ‘NIST Special Publication 800-63’, which addressed authentication and password management, suggesting the need for expiration policies. However, in recent years, NIST has revised its recommendations, suggesting that password expiration is not always necessary and that strong, unique passwords are more effective.
Uses: Password expiration is primarily used in various environments where information security is critical, including corporate, governmental, and online platforms. Organizations implement these policies to protect sensitive data and comply with security regulations. It is also applied in identity and access management systems, where users are required to change their passwords regularly to maintain system integrity. Additionally, many online services, such as banking and social networks, may require periodic password changes as part of their security measures.
Examples: An example of password expiration usage is in the banking sector, where users may be required to change their password every 90 days to access their accounts. Another case is in organizations that handle confidential information, where policies are implemented requiring employees to change their passwords every month. Additionally, many enterprise software platforms allow administrators to set password expiration policies for users to ensure ongoing security compliance.
