Password Requirements
On April 15, 2013, ITS implemented the process of switching UNI accounts from using passwords to passphrases. Instead of having at least three UNI accounts with separate passwords that expire every 90 days, you will now use a single passphrase that expires after a year. Please note that the change will be made once your current password is changed on or after 4/15/2013. You will need to change it to a longer passphrase and use it to log in to your UNI computer (and labs), your UNI Gmail, WiFi-UNI, e-Learning, e-Business (formerly MEMFIS), etc. The Computer Consulting Center (273-5555) and some local IT support staff are able to reset your passphrase.
Passphrase Requirements
A passphrase must be at least 15 characters long (maximum is 30) and may contain both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, and spaces. While there are no specific requirements for different types of characters to be used, a combination of characters is recommended, such as "my 3rd car was a T-bird" or “I love my passphrase”. Other important details include:
• Passphrases cannot begin or end with a blank space
• Passphrases can contain US English characters
• Passphrases cannot contain more than three (3) repeated characters (e.g., “aaa” would be accepted, “aaaa” would not)
• Passphrases are case sensitive
• Passphrases cannot be reused
• Passphrases expire after 1 year
Hopefully, while passphrases will require a bit more typing, having a single passphrase for all your UNI accounts and 365 days between changes will be more convenient. Again, this will only affect you the next time your password is changed, beginning in April.
If you have any questions, the Computer Consulting Center (319-273-5555) is available to assist you.