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Password Change Information
Passwords are an important aspect of computer security. IT is taking steps to protect Western Carolina University's entire network by requiring employees to follow the Password Policy detailed in the IT Division Policies and Standards.
One step in adhering to the guidelines set forth in this policy is to require Active Directory passwords (password that grants you access to your computer and e-mail) to consist of the following:
- Have a maximum password age of 90 days (60 days for admin/system level accounts)
- You will not be able to repeat your last 15 passwords
- Once you change your password it cannot be changed again for 5 days.
- Will have a minimum of 8 characters
- Will not contain the users account name or parts of the users full name that exceed two consecutive characters.
- For example, if your username is 'jdoe' you cannot use 'doe' in your password as it exceeds the two character limit.
- Will contain characters from 3 of the 4 following categories:
- English uppercase characters (A through Z)
- English lowercase characters (a through z)
- Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
- Non-alphabetic characters (for example, !, $, #, %, &)
Common FAQ's:
- How do I change my password on a Windows Computer?
- How do I change my password on Macintosh?
- Why do we have to start changing our password now when we have not had to do so before?
- Password expiration policy is considered 'Best Practice'. In addition, both the VMS system and the Novell system did require 90 day password changes. This is a re-implementation of the policy and a finding in the recent state audit that must be addressed.
- How am I going to remember to change my password?
- You will be prompted shortly before your password expires. This prompt will be in the form of a text box or an informational balloon that will briefly appear in the lower right hand corner of your screen. On the 90th day, you will be forced to change your password. You may also want to set a calendar reminder.
- Will I see a notification if I am off campus?
- No. If you think your password is about to expire or are going to be away from campus for an extended period of time you may want to consider changing the password before leaving. If you leave campus and your password expires it will be necessary for you to call the IT Services Help Desk for assistance.
- Do you have additional questions or need further instruction on troubleshooting your password change?
- Login to IT Self-Service and search for additional solutions.