Changing your password regularly is an important part of maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene. Your password is often the first line of defense between your online accounts and identity and someone who may want to access them without authorization. Having a strong, unique password that you update from time to time can help prevent unauthorized access.
Why should I change my password?
There are a few key reasons why it’s recommended to periodically change your online account passwords:
- Passwords can be compromised – If your password is stolen through a data breach, phishing scam, spyware on your device, or other method, changing it can help re-secure your account.
- Prevent password reuse – Many people reuse the same password across multiple sites for convenience. If it’s compromised in one place, it could put your other accounts at risk. Changing it forces you to use new, unique passwords.
- Good security practices – Proactively changing your password helps mitigate risks and is part of following strong cybersecurity protocols.
- Expired passwords – Many online services will prompt you to change your password after a set period of time as part of their own security policies.
How often should I change my password?
Most cybersecurity experts recommend changing your passwords every 90 days or so, but some argue that this frequency is excessive for most users. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends changing passwords every 6-12 months for your most sensitive accounts containing financial, personal, work, or other private information. You may want to change everyday use accounts, like social media, less frequently such as once a year.
How do I change my password?
The specific steps to change your password will vary a bit by the website or service you use, but the general process is usually similar:
- Log into your account
- Navigate to account settings or security
- Look for a “Change Password” option
- Enter your current password to confirm your identity
- Type your new password and confirm
- Save the new password
You will then be logged out and need to log back in with your new credentials. Some key things to keep in mind when creating a new password:
- Make it long and complex – Use 8 or more characters combining upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid common phrases or patterns
- Don’t reuse old passwords
- Use a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
Can I change my password on my:
Email account?
Yes, all major email providers allow you to change your account password through your account settings or security options:
| Email Provider | How to Change Password |
|---|---|
| Gmail | Click your profile icon > Manage your Google Account > Security > Password |
| Outlook/Hotmail | Go to account.microsoft.com > Security info > Password |
| Yahoo | Click your profile icon > Account Info > Login and security > Change password |
Just follow the prompts to enter your current password, new password, and confirm the change.
Social media accounts?
All major social media platforms allow you to update your password:
| Platform | How to Change Password |
|---|---|
| Click the drop down arrow > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Change Password | |
| Click your profile icon > Settings and privacy > Password > Change Password | |
| Go to profile > Menu > Settings > Security > Password > Change Password | |
| Click your profile photo > Settings & Privacy > Password |
The change may require confirming your email or phone number for verification.
Online accounts like Amazon, eBay, etc?
You can change the password to any online account like shopping, entertainment, financial accounts, and more by:
- Logging into your account
- Locating account/profile settings
- Looking for “Change Password” or “Security”
- Following the prompts to change your password
Some accounts may send a confirmation email or require additional identity verification when changing security info.
WiFi network password?
If you want to change the password to your WiFi network at home, the steps will depend on your router model and brand. But in general you will need to:
- Access your router admin page (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 typically) and log in.
- Find the wireless settings section.
- Look for the option to change the network SSID and password.
- Enter and confirm the new WiFi password and save changes.
- Connect devices to the network using the new password.
Refer to your specific router’s documentation for detailed steps. For a public WiFi network, you’ll need to speak to the network administrator to change the password.
What if I forget my new password?
If you forget a newly changed password, most services have an account recovery option to help regain access. This usually involves confirming your identity through email, phone verification codes, security questions, or other methods. However, it’s best to avoid forgetting passwords by:
- Using a password manager
- Writing passwords down securely
- Using password hints
- Using a password that’s easy to remember but still complex
Conclusion
Changing your passwords periodically is an important security practice to help protect your online accounts. While techniques like multi-factor authentication add additional security, having a strong, unique password that you update regularly remains a basic but critical component of account security. Most online accounts provide simple options to change your password – just make sure to use strong new passwords and store them securely.