/cybersecurity-faq

How to Change Password Expiration Policy

Learn how to easily change your password expiration policy with this step-by-step guide for better security management.

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How to Change Password Expiration Policy

To change your password expiration policy, adjust the settings in your system’s security options—such as via the Group Policy Editor in Windows or by modifying configuration files like /etc/login.defs in Linux—to specify how long passwords remain valid before a reset is required.

When changing the password expiration policy, you can follow these steps based on your operating system:

For Windows: Open the Group Policy Editor by typing "gpedit.msc" in the Run dialog. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy. Here, change the “Maximum password age” setting to your desired number of days. After saving your changes, confirm that they are applied by checking a test user’s policy status.
For Linux: Open the configuration file /etc/login.defs using a text editor like vi or nano. Find the line starting with PASS_MAX_DAYS and modify its value to the maximum number of days you prefer before password expiration. Save the file and restart any affected services if necessary.
Alternative approaches: On Windows, you can also use the command prompt with the “net accounts” command to set the maximum password age. Simply enter net accounts /maxpwage:XX, replacing "XX" with the desired number of days. This method quickly updates the policy across your system.

It is important to test any changes in a secure environment to ensure they are working as expected before a wider rollout. If you encounter specific challenges or need further assistance, we at OCD Tech can offer useful insights into securing and fine-tuning your system settings.

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Frequently asked questions

What services does OCD Tech provide?

OCD Tech offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity and IT assurance services, including SOC 2/3 and SOC for Cybersecurity reporting, IT vulnerability and penetration testing, privileged access management, social engineering assessments, virtual CISO (vCISO) support, IT general controls audits, WISP development, and compliance assistance for frameworks like CMMC, DFARS, and FTC Safeguards.

Which industries does OCD Tech serve?

OCD Tech specializes in serving highly regulated sectors such as financial services, government, higher education, auto dealerships, enterprise organizations, and not-for-profits throughout New England.

How long does an IT security assessment take?

Typically, OCD Tech’s on-site work spans 1–2 days, depending on complexity and number of sites, followed by 1–2 weeks of analysis and reporting to deliver clear, actionable recommendations.

Why should I get SOC 2 compliant?

SOC 2 reporting demonstrates to clients and prospects that an organization follows best-in-class controls over security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy—boosting trust, meeting RFP/due diligence requirements, and helping secure contracts. OCD Tech helps organizations achieve and maintain this compliance.

Can OCD Tech help me with federal cybersecurity regulations?

Yes—OCD Tech provides guidance for compliance with DFARS (NIST 800‑171), CMMC (Levels 1–3), and FTC Safeguards, ensuring organizations meet specific government or industry-based cybersecurity mandates.

What is a virtual CISO (vCISO), and do I need one?

A virtual CISO delivers strategic, executive-level cybersecurity leadership as a service. OCD Tech’s vCISO service is ideal for organizations lacking a full-time CISO and helps build programs, define policy, oversee risk, and guide security maturity.

Does OCD Tech offer ongoing security training or audits for staff?

Absolutely. OCD Tech provides tailored internal IT Audit training and security awareness sessions, plus annual reviews of Written Information Security Programs (WISP), such as Massachusetts 201 CMR 17 and other state or industry-specific controls.

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IT Audit | Cybersecurity | IT Assurance | IT Security Consultants – OCD Tech is a technology consulting firm serving the IT security and consulting needs of businesses in Boston (MA), Braintree (MA) and across New England. We primarily serve Fortune 500 companies including auto dealers, financial institutions, higher education, government contractors, and not-for-profit organizations with SOC 2 reporting, CMMC readiness, IT Security Audits, Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments. We also provide dark web monitoring, DFARS compliance, and IT general controls review.

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