> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/account-lifecycle-policy.md).

# Account lifecycle policy

An **account lifecycle policy** enforces strict management rules for [privileged accounts](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/privileged-account/), particularly those at high risk of compromise. A key practice in such policies is rotating the account password after each use, ensuring credentials are not reused or left exposed for long periods.

In Devolutions products, this concept is implemented through features such as [password rotation](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/password-rotation/) policies, heartbeat synchronization to validate credential accuracy, and automatic [password propagation](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/password-propagation/) to relevant systems. These combined tools help protect critical accounts by automating credential hygiene and reducing manual intervention.

This approach is essential for securing sensitive assets, especially when accounts are used in shared or automated environments. It also supports [compliance](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/compliance-reporting/) with security best practices and frameworks that emphasize [just-in-time access](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/jit-elevation/) and minimal exposure of privileged credentials.

#### Account lifecycle policy aliases

* Privileged account data lifecycle management (PADLM)
* Password rotation policy
* Credential lifecycle management

#### Related topics

* [Password rotation](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/password-rotation/)
* [Permissions/RBAC/Roles](https://docs.devolutions.net/rdm/concepts/advanced-concepts/permissions-rbac-roles/)
* [Security](https://docs.devolutions.net/rdm/concepts/advanced-concepts/security/)

#### See also

* [Devolutions Academy – Determine how users interact with PAM credentials](https://academy.devolutions.net/student/page/2606486-determine-how-users-interact-with-pam-credentials?curriculum_activity_id=3971928\&path_id=2354099\&sid=305ef32b-b2bb-4e06-b44d-8f2e0ebd0c43\&sid_i=7)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/account-lifecycle-policy.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.