SOC 2 Compliance: Why Your Password Rotation Policy Matters

SOC 2 demands strict controls over authentication, including how often passwords are changed, how they are stored, and how old credentials are retired. Password rotation policies are not optional. They are one of the core security requirements under the "Logical and Physical Access Controls" section of the Trust Services Criteria. Failure to implement them correctly risks both your certification and your security posture.

A compliant password rotation policy sets a maximum password age—often 90 days or less—and enforces immediate expiration for compromised credentials. Multi-factor authentication should be layered on top, but it does not replace rotation rules. Use strong complexity requirements and block reuse of recent passwords. SOC 2 auditors will check your documentation to confirm these controls exist, are enforced, and are logged in an immutable system.

Automation is key. Manual checks are brittle and error-prone. Connect your identity provider to rotation enforcement. Log all changes, including timestamps, user IDs, and triggering events. Store logs in a secure, write-once location. Make sure expired passwords cannot be used to access APIs, service accounts, or internal tools. Audit readiness means having both technical enforcement and proof of policy compliance available at any moment.

SOC 2 compliance is easier when security controls serve real-world threats. Password rotation directly reduces the window of risk from stolen or guessed credentials. A short rotation interval combined with proactive monitoring keeps attackers locked out and regulators satisfied.

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