How often should you change your passwords for online accounts?

Changing passwords regularly is a vital practice for maintaining the security of online accounts. The recommended timeframe of changing passwords every few months helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized access. By doing this, you ensure that even if a password is compromised, the window of opportunity for misuse is limited. Regular updates also help in adapting to evolving security threats, ensuring that passwords remain robust against potential breaches.

In contrast, changing passwords every week might lead to frustration and the tendency to create less secure passwords that are easier to remember, undermining security efforts. Changing them every month could be more manageable but may still result in similar issues. Only changing your password when you suspect a breach can leave your accounts vulnerable for long periods until a compromise is identified, increasing risk significantly. Regularly scheduled updates strike a balance between security and usability, making it the most effective practice.