Beginning March 16, 2010, IUP will implement several changes related to passwords, improving password practices for all IUP computing accounts.
URSA Changes
Upon your first login to URSA on or after March 16, 2010, you will be asked to select two security questions and then provide answers to those questions. This will enhance the security associated with the “Forgot Pin?” option. If you’ve forgotten your URSA PIN, this option allows you to reset it by providing the answers to the two security questions.
You will also be required to change your PIN upon your first login to URSA on or after March 16, 2010. Your new PIN must be between eight (8) and fifteen (15) characters and may contain both numbers and letters.
Enhanced Password Reset Function in URSA
Students will be able to use a revised URSA option to change—not just reset—both e-mail and network passwords in one simple step. Prior to this revision, resetting passwords was a two-step process. First you had to reset the desired password in URSA. Then you had to change the password using the network password change page (or by logging on to the network) for your network password, or, for e-mail, by logging into imail and using the “Change Password” option.
The new option allows you to simply select a new network or e-mail password in URSA, which can then be used for the respective accounts without any further action.
IUP Computing Account Passwords
Any new password you select for IUP computing accounts should comply with the following:
- Password must be at least eight (8) characters.
- Last three passwords should not be re-used.
- Password will expire after 180 days.
Important Reminder
You are also reminded to never provide your password to anyone, especially in response to an unsolicited e-mail request. No legitimate source will ever ask for your username and password. These requests are called “phishing scams,” and you can read more about them at Spear Phishing.
See also:
