The password expires at midnight.

Under FIPS 140-3, password rotation is not optional. It is a defined control for protecting cryptographic modules and the systems that depend on them. The standard sets strict requirements for authentication mechanisms, and rotation policies are a core part of compliance. Weak or stale credentials compromise the integrity of your module’s security boundary. Rotation enforces freshness, limits exposure, and aligns the system with federal cryptographic guidelines.

FIPS 140-3 password rotation policies require clear definitions in your security documentation. Rotation intervals must be consistent with risk assessments and follow approved cryptographic key management principles. Passwords must be replaced at scheduled times or immediately if compromise is suspected. Old credentials must be invalidated. Storage must be secure and compliant with approved algorithms for hashing and encryption.

Automating password rotation under FIPS 140-3 reduces human error. Integrating rotation with system logging ensures every event is recorded for audits. This audit trail must be immutable and accessible for compliance verification. Policies must include procedures for testing rotation, verifying updates, and preventing re-use of previous passwords.

For systems subject to FIPS 140-3, a strong rotation policy is more than technical hygiene—it is a clear compliance requirement. If your passwords last too long, your attack surface grows. If your process is manual, your risk rises. Compliance is won in the small details: intervals, enforcement, and evidence.

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