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Staff and Faculty - Password Reset

How are passwords stolen?
Guidelines for choosing a password?
What are Pitzer's policy and procedures?
How do I change mine?

Introduction

A password is a string of characters you give to verify that you're you when you log in to a computer system. They can be the weakest link in a computer security scheme. While we may find them annoying, it is important to remember that passwords are often the first line of defense against intrusion. They protect personal information - information we don't want anyone and everyone to know.

At Pitzer your user account and password give you access to a variety of computing services such as printing, downloads, and e-mail. If someone steals your login information they may gain access to your private files and privileges. In addition, you may not be the only person affected by a stolen password. Once an intruder with the necessary knowledge, experience, and tools gains entry to a system, he or she may be able to access and control other machines and systems on the same network.

 

How are Passwords Stolen?
Many reasons are to blame for stolen passwords. Hackers have many tools, such as password cracking software which uses intelligent guessing, dictionary attacks and automation to guess every possible combination of characters. In addition, users don't always take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. One of the largest offenses, by users, is their willingness to share their passwords.

 

Guidelines for Choosing a Password?

Follow these basic guidelines when choosing your password:

  • Use at least 8 characters.
  • Make your password easy for you to remember but hard for someone else to guess.
  • Use both letters and numbers in your password and use both upper and lower case letters.
  • Never write down your password where someone else might see.
  • Don't use sequences or repeated characters such as 1245... or aaaaa.
  • Don't use your log-in name as your password.
  • Don't use dictionary words.
  • Don't use the same password for all of your log-ins.

 

Pitzer password policy and procedures

In order to protect your information as well as to maintain security in the Pitzer network infrastructure the following password policies and procedures have been established:

  • You will be required to change your password every 120 days.
    Approximately 3 times a year.
  • Your password must be a minimum of 8 characters long.
  • You must use at least one number character in your password.

Recommendations:

  • Don't use personal information such as Drivers License numbers, SS numbers, phone numbers, etc...
  • Don't use your username as your password.
  • Do keep your password confidential!

 

How do I change my password?

There are multiple ways to change your password both on campus and through Outlook Web Access off campus. The following links take you through step by step instructions both for PC's and MAC's:

Note: There are always exceptions to the rule. If you use a laptop or your own personal computer you can either change your password using Outlook Web Access, given it has not yet expired, or contact Information Technology for assistance.

For questions or concerns feel free to contact us at:

Pitzer, Information Technology
1050 N. Mills Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
Email: Resnet
Phone: (909) 607-3065
Fax: (909) 621-8593