Passwords are one of the strongest proactive measures that individuals can take to keep BVSD data safe and in the right hands. Passwords must never be shared, and IT will never ask for your password.
As we move to the Google environment on April 23, new password requirements will also be implemented.
At first, this type of change can seem daunting. I know it was for me.
What we'll get from this change is acceptable security as required by our last security audit. The likelihood will also decrease that spam will take over your computer without you even knowing it.
What we'll get from this change is acceptable security as required by our last security audit. The likelihood will also decrease that spam will take over your computer without you even knowing it.
What will change?
After April 23...
- Passwords will have to be at least 8 characters long.
- To make them "strong" they must have 3 of the following 4 items:
- Upper Case
- Lower Case
- Number
- Special Character (a special character is anything but a letter or a number)
- You'll be required to change your password every 90 days. This will fix compromised accounts that you may not even know about. (k-5 accounts without email will have a 180 day change period)
- There will be a new web-based tool that will allow you to change your password from any computer with an internet connection.
Hints for creating strong passwords
One way to remember strong passwords is to create sentences as passwords. For example, "BVSD is a cool place to work in 2012!" meets all 4 criteria and is easy to remember. Don't feel constrained by 8 characters -- sentences as passwords work well, too.
Give it a try!
I encourage you to create a strong password before April 23.
- Click here for instructions
- If you are using a Mac, you will need to change your password on a Windows PC until April 23.
Password Tools
Password Reset Tool- We currently have a tool that will reset your password if you forget it.
- Currently you can change your password on a Windows PC while on the BVSD network. Click here for instructions.
- By April 23 we will also have a new password change tool that will work from any computer with an internet connection.
Please chime in below after you log in. I want to know what you think about BVSD taking security seriously.
Andrew
