Passwords to be Changed More Frequently

Issue 39, Winter 2008

by Linc Nesheim

To further secure information on the campus network, Western initiated a password aging process for all standard user accounts in the spring of 2006. Banner users have always been aware of required password updates, but the need to initiate quarterly password changes was somewhat new for non-Banner accounts. More about the initiative is explained on the ATUS web page http://west.wwu.edu/atus/web/pwordaging.shtml

During the summer of 2007 the password change process was updated by Information Technology Services (ITS) with the goal of making it more clear and more user-friendly. Part of the upgrade includes steps that now allow you to set up individual security questions to help identify you if you forget your password. You no longer need to use your W# and PIN to change your universal account password.

Each person's password change schedule is individually calculated based on the last time their universal username password was changed - you are required to change your password every 120 days. You will begin seeing reminder messages when you log into your workstation (and to many WWU web resources) two weeks prior to your 120-day password expiration date. The messages will have links to connect you directly to the password change page at www.wwu.edu/chpw/.

MyWWU the Ideal Home Page

Access to many WWU web applications through the MyWWU faculty/staff portal is getting easier. If you login to http://my.wwu.edu you can access Web4u, Outlook Web, Blackboard, and your WebForms Inbox without having to login to them individually. You can also setup your own Western-specific bookmarks at MyWWU. You are encouraged to use this as your default home page, as many timely campus-wide announcements are posted here.

If you would like to give us some feedback on how the password aging program is working for you, please feel free to contact me at 650-6546 or email Linc.Nesheim@wwu.edu.

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