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Online Security: Passwords

Information about protecting your personal information online

Secure Passwords

Effective Oct 2, 2023 - New and updated passwords must be at least 14 characters long

Minimum Password / Passphrase Policy for College Accounts 

Length - your Password must be at least 14 characters long. Maximum length 25.

Complexity -  your Password should contain at least one (1) character from three (3) of the following categories: 

  • Uppercase letters (A-Z)
  • Lowercase letters (a-z)
  • Digits (0-9)
  • Special characters ( ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * _ - + = ` | \ ( ) { } [ ] : ; " ' < > , . ? /)

Requirements

  • Do not use your name as part of the password.
  • Follow on screen prompts to help create a secure password. 

Changing your Password

  • Do not reuse passwords. 
  • Change your password often.

  • Don't get locked out - After changing your password, remember to update your personal computer and mobile accounts right away on your personal computers or mobile devices for any college accounts  (Blackboard, email, MC-Secure wireless,...) Your account may become locked if a device tries to connect unsuccessfully too many times.

How do I create a good passphrase?

EASY ways to come up with a memorable passphrase:

  • String together several words.
  • Create a short sentence.
  • Create an acronym -- combine the first letter of each word in a phrase to create a new word.

Why? 

Password length and complexity, and changing passwords periodically, helps ensure the security of your network account, and college network security. 

Your network account gives you access to many important College resources.

Protect your personal information:padlock

Keep your username and password secure. Do not share your password.

Remember to log out of any applications and log off computers, especially when using a campus or shared computer.