On what circumstance can the password change process be disregarded?

The rationale for considering the password change process as always mandatory is rooted in the principles of security and risk management. Regularly updating passwords is a crucial practice in safeguarding sensitive information and protecting systems from unauthorized access.

By maintaining a policy that mandates password changes consistently, organizations can mitigate risks associated with stale or compromised credentials. This practice ensures that even if a password is exposed or potentially vulnerable, it is not in use for an extended period, thereby limiting the window of opportunity for malicious actors.

Adhering to this principle strengthens security posture regardless of the circumstances, such as system upgrades, account inactivity, or perceived security levels during certain periods. Consequently, making exceptions to the requirement for password changes could introduce significant vulnerabilities and undermine the overall security framework.