You’ve invested in antivirus, firewalls, maybe even cyber insurance, but if your team is still using “123456” as a password, none of that matters.
In today’s digital world, your passwords are often the front line between your business and a data breach. And as business leaders in Austin and across Texas know all too well, it only takes one compromised login to grind operations to a halt.
So, how often should you change your passwords?
What even is a secure password in 2025?
And how do you enforce good practices without frustrating your team?
Let’s break it down based on the latest NIST standards and real-world insights from businesses we support every day across Central Texas.
How Often Should You Change Your Password?
Old guidance said every 30–90 days.
New NIST guidance says: only if there’s a reason to.
Unless a password is weak, reused, or potentially compromised, frequent changes often lead to bad behavior, like writing it down on sticky notes or reusing a slightly altered version.
Instead, focus on these best practices:
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Use passphrases instead of passwords (e.g., RedTruck$DriveFast98!)
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Ensure each password is unique, complex, and not reused
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Change it immediately if:
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You shared it with someone
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The account has been inactive for a year
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You’ve been notified of a data breach
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What Makes a Password Secure in 2025?
A secure password:
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Has 12+ characters
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Uses uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
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Avoids common words, birthdates, or company names
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Isn’t reused across multiple platforms
Better yet? Use a password manager. Tools like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane can securely store and autofill passwords, making password complexity easier to manage and more secure.
What’s the Role of a Password Manager?
Think of it like a secure vault for your business.
A good password manager:
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Stores and encrypts credentials
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Generates strong, unique passwords
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Requires one master password or biometric login to access
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Reduces the need to write passwords down or reuse them
At CTTS, we implement and manage these tools for businesses across Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, and Central Texas to reduce risk and support compliance standards, especially for clients in regulated industries.
Don’t Ignore Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even the best password can get compromised.
MFA adds a second layer—whether that’s a text, an app notification, or a hardware token—to stop attackers in their tracks.
If your team isn’t using MFA today, that’s the first hole in the ship you need to plug.
What’s the Ideal Password Policy for Businesses?
According to NIST and best practices:
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Require 12+ characters
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Avoid enforcing regular password changes (unless compromised)
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Implement MFA on all critical systems
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Don’t allow password reuse
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Use a password manager to enforce strength & uniqueness
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Train your team quarterly on cyber hygiene and phishing awareness
CTTS Can Help You Fortify Your Password and Security Policies
We’ve helped business leaders throughout Texas—from Austin to Temple to Buda—build security frameworks that not only meet compliance but also make business easier.
If you’re not sure where your password policies stand—or if your team is still emailing passwords or writing them on notepads—now’s the time to act.
👉 Schedule your free IT Security Assessment today at www.CTTSonline.com
Let’s make sure your first line of defense isn’t also your weakest.
FAQs About Password Management and Security
1. How often should I change my password if I use a password manager?
If the password is unique and strong, you typically only need to change it if there has been a breach or a suspected compromise.
2. What’s the best password manager for small businesses?
CTTS commonly recommends Bitwarden and 1Password for their security, ease of use, and business features—plus we’ll set it up for you.
3. Can CTTS help train my employees on password security?
Yes, CTTS offers regular cybersecurity training tailored to your industry and team, including best practices on passwords, phishing, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Need a simpler, safer way to manage your IT and security? Let’s talk.
Visit www.CTTSonline.com or call (512) 388-5559.