Everyone Must Reset Password and Create Security Questions

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 22:57:22 -0400
security

Update:

Given recent IT security threats generally, DoIT has decided to force the password change to May 23, 2014, the day after Undergraduate Commencement. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

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In an effort to improve campus security and better protect user information, DoIT is requiring that everyone with a UMBC account must change his or her password by June 9, 2014, unless this has already been done this calendar year. This will apply to all myUMBC account holders -- students, faculty, staff and alumni. We know people hate changing their account passwords, but with the rise of emails targeting people to share their account and password, called phishing, we feel it is necessary for security.

As part of this effort, everyone will also be required to provide an alternate email address and create account security questions. Once in place, all users will then be able to reset their password through a self-service page. We have had these account security questions in place for the last two years for students and the program has been very successful in reducing the number of time-consuming, manual password resets performed by our Technolgy Support Center (TSC). We expect that by expanding self-service password resets to all account holders, everyone will benefit.

A notice will appear to all faculty and staff when they login on Wednesday, April 23, informing them they need to change their password and establish their security questions, if they have not done so already in 2014. While the final date for password changes is June 9th, DoIT especially recommends that faculty make this change before they leave for the summer. We will also be sending out regular reminders.

To create your own security questions, visit the following Frequently Asked Question (FAQ):

How do I create my security questions to reset a forgotten password?

If you have any questions or need help, please submit an RT Ticket or contact the TSC at 410.455.3838.