What is the minimum frequency for changing or rotating locks?

What is the minimum frequency for changing or rotating locks?

• A. At least once a year
• B. Every two years
• C. Every five years
• D. Only when a key is compromised

Answer: (A)

Regular, proactive control of physical access is the idea being tested. Rotating or changing locks on a schedule keeps the number of people who could still use old keys small and predictable, so even if a key is lost or someone leaves, there isn’t a long window where unauthorized access could occur. Why the yearly minimum fits best: changing locks at least once a year establishes a concrete cadence for rekeying, which reduces the risk that an old key remains usable for an extended period. It provides ongoing protection without waiting for a known problem to occur. In contrast, waiting two years or five years lengthens that window of potential exposure, increasing risk. Waiting until a compromise happens is too reactive and allows potential access to persist before action is taken. So, at least annually is the standard minimum to maintain robust access control.

Regular, proactive control of physical access is the idea being tested. Rotating or changing locks on a schedule keeps the number of people who could still use old keys small and predictable, so even if a key is lost or someone leaves, there isn’t a long window where unauthorized access could occur.

Why the yearly minimum fits best: changing locks at least once a year establishes a concrete cadence for rekeying, which reduces the risk that an old key remains usable for an extended period. It provides ongoing protection without waiting for a known problem to occur. In contrast, waiting two years or five years lengthens that window of potential exposure, increasing risk. Waiting until a compromise happens is too reactive and allows potential access to persist before action is taken.

So, at least annually is the standard minimum to maintain robust access control.