Password Aging for All Universal Accounts

What is Password Aging?

Password Aging occurs when a system requires users to change their passwords at regular intervals for greater network security. The passwords "age" and become "old" or unusable after a specified period of time.

Why are we starting Password Aging at Western?

Data security and privacy protection continue to be one of the most important jobs for Information Technology Services (ITS).  As part of this security each of us needs to take action to protect our individual accounts.  The most secure way to protect an account is

• the regular use of ‘strong’ passwords (passwords that include letters, numbers, and special characters) and
• the frequent changing of account passwords.   

ITS staff realize this causes some inconvenience but we believe it is absolutely in the best interest of the University community to strengthen data and account security in this way.

When do I have to change my Password?

Everyone’s password expiration date is calculated based upon 120 days from the last successful password change. To start this new process we have randomized everyone’s expiration date beginning mid-October 2007 and ending late-January 2008.  This means you will start seeing reminders sometime during that window.

How will this work?

Two weeks before your password is to expire, you will begin seeing reminders when you login to standard office or lab workstations around campus.  Also, reminders will show up when you log in to services like MyWestern, MyWWU, or Outlook Web Access.

Upon your first visit to this new process, you will be asked to select (or create) five Security Questions.  These questions will be used to verify your identity if you forget your password at a future date.  Once you have recorded the five Security Questions you will be asked to create a new password.  You can return to the Password Change process at any time to update your security questions.

Remind me how to change my password

The password change page is at http://www.wwu.edu/password. Select "Universal Password" from this page.

You can change your password as often as you would like and at any point in time. As long as you never go more than 120 days between changes you will never receive reminders.

If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact the ATUS HelpDesk at helpdesk@wwu.edu or 360-650-3333.