SQL Server 2005: Enforce Password Policy and Expiration

Contributed by Rob Rogers  
Tagged: Database  

Utilizing password policy and expiration can better secure your server and better protect the valuable data in your database. To enforce password policy and expiration for a login, follow these steps…

1. Open the SQL Server 2005 Management Studio.

2. In the left pane, go to the desired server and navigate to the Security folder and expand it.

3. Expand the Logins folder.

4. Right-click on the desired login and click Properties.

5. In the left pane of the Login Properties window, select General.

6. Check the Enforce password policy checkbox and the Enforce password expiration checkbox.

7. Click OK.

To review the password policies for the server, you will need to have direct access to the server. From there you will need to follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button.

2. Select All Programs.

3. Select Administrative Tools.

4. Select Local Security Policy.

5. The Local Security Settings window will appear.

6. In the left pane, expand Account Policies.

7. Select Password Policy.

8. In the right pane, ensure the security settings are to your liking. If changes need to be made, simply double-click the policy and change the value.