NetID Passwords: Why Only the Strong Will Survive
Between now and spring of 2006, students, faculty and staff of the University must change their current NetID passwords – those passwords University members use in conjunction with a NetID to access insideND, email, Webfile and other networked services – to Strong Passwords.
| Q: | What is a Strong Password? |
| A: | A Strong Password is a difficult-to-guess password that you use with your NetID to access insideND, Notre Dame email and shared storage spaces, such as NetFile. It is at least eight characters long, and is made up of upper and lowercase random letters, numbers, punctuation marks and other keyboard symbols. |
| Q: | What is a weak password? |
| A: | A weak password is one that is short and easy to guess. |
| Q: | What is an example of a weak password? |
| A: | Your first name followed by your dorm room number is an example of a weak password. |
| Q: | What is an example of a Strong Password? |
| A: | myPWis1Uwg |
| Q: | How can I remember a password that complex? |
| A: | It’s a “passphrase” derived from “my password is one you won’t guess.” Remember the phrase; remember the password. |
| Q: | How do I change to a Strong Password? |
| A: | Go to https://password.nd.edu, and follow the instructions. |
| Q: | Why should I change to a Strong Password? |
| A: | Weak passwords put sensitive and personal information at risk that can be used by identity thieves (you don’t want strangers guessing your password and pretending to be you); If you do not change to a Strong Password, your existing password will expire, disrupting your access to Notre Dame networked applications, including email and shared storage. |
| Q: | Will all existing passwords expire at the same time? |
| A: | No. Passwords that have not been changed (to Strong Passwords) since July 5, 2005 will be randomly tagged for expiration sometime between now and the spring of 2006. |
| Q: | How will I know that my password is set to expire? |
| A: | You will receive an email from the OIT, and you will have 30 days from the day of receipt to change to a Strong Password. Once you change your password to a Strong Password, you won’t have to change it again for another 180 days. |
| Q: | When it comes to Strong Passwords, will the University make exceptions for some campus computer users? |
| A: | No exceptions will be granted. |