Password Rotation Policies for Databricks Access Control

That is why strong password rotation policies are essential for Databricks access control. Without them, stale credentials stay alive longer than they should, giving attackers time to exploit them. In a cloud data platform handling sensitive pipelines, each extra day a password exists is a risk.

Databricks provides role-based access control (RBAC) to manage who can perform which actions. Password rotation is not built into RBAC – it’s a separate measure that must be enforced at the identity provider or organizational policy level. Your rotation rules should work in sync with Databricks permission models, ensuring all human and service accounts follow the same schedule.

Key steps for implementing effective rotation:

1. Set a rotation interval — 60 or 90 days is common, but shorter intervals lower risk.
2. Integrate rotation with identity management — Use Azure AD, AWS IAM, or Okta to enforce expiration policies that apply to Databricks authentication.
3. Automate credential replacement — Scripting or workflows should handle API tokens and passwords to avoid downtime.
4. Audit and monitor — Use Databricks audit logs to confirm accounts are updated on schedule and detect exceptions.
5. Revoke unused accounts promptly — Rotation is meaningless if dormant accounts remain active.

Combining rotation with fine-grained RBAC creates layered security. Password rotation limits exposure time. Access control limits scope. Together, they stop unauthorized entry and reduce operational risk.

Most breaches exploit the simplest flaw: a valid password that should have been replaced. Treat password rotation as non-negotiable. Tie it directly to Databricks access control so no account slips through.

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