Changes to Password Requirements

Summary

Longer passwords significantly improve the security of our accounts by making them more resistant to brute-force attacks.

Body

Overview

As part of IIT’s ongoing efforts to enhance the security of our systems and protect sensitive information, we are implementing a change to our password requirements, effective July 10, 2024. These changes are essential to safeguard our data against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Longer passwords significantly improve the security of our accounts by making them more resistant to brute-force attacks.

New Password Requirements

Minimum length: 14 characters (previously 8 characters)
Complexity: Must include at least three of the following four:
- Must include at least one uppercase letter (A-Z)
- Must include at least one lowercase letter (a-z)
- Must include at least one number (0-9)
- Must include at least one special character (e.g., !, @, #, $, %, ^, &, *)

Key Change

No More 90-Day Changes: You will no longer be required to change your password every 90 days. Instead, you should change your password if you suspect it has been compromised, if prompted by IIT for security reasons, or once every 365 days.

What You Need to Do

Change Your Password: By August 1, 2024, please update your password to comply with the new requirements. You can change your password by visiting the Technical Service Desk Client Portal (aacc.edu/servicedesk) and following the instructions. Changing your password will update the password for your @aacc.edu and @mymail.aacc.edu accounts.
Update Saved Passwords: If you have your current password saved in web browsers, applications, or devices, please ensure you update those as well.

Start Date	Deadline
July 10, 2024	August 1, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Expand the sections below to view our FAQ.

What if I miss the Deadline?

If you miss the August 1st deadline, the next time you sign into a computer on campus or log into the MyAACC Portal, you will be prompted to change your password. If you are off-campus and not connected to the VPN, you will not be prompted unless you try to sign into MyAACC or another AACC-associated product (Microsoft Teams, Outlook, etc.)

Network-Connected Computer Prompt:

1. Click the Ok button to continue.

2. Make sure that your current password is entered in the old password/current password section at the top. Then create a new password and re-enter it to confirm.

3. Once you see this screen, your password has been successfully changed and you can continue to your desktop by selecting Ok.

MyAACC Sign-in Prompt:

When you sign-in on MyAACC you should be prompted to change the password. Once you have created and re-entered the new password, click Sign in to continue to MyAACC.

VPN Error:

If you miss the August 1st deadline, you will be unable to sign into the Campus Network using the FortiClient VPN. You will likely receive the error shown above. To resolve this issue, please change your password so that you can log into the VPN.

Protecting Your Password

Protecting your password from unauthorized access is important. It is the primary barrier between your sensitive information and potential threats.

Always maintain confidentiality of your password(s).
Never tell anyone your password.
AACC will never ask you for your password.
Do not write down passwords.
Do not transmit password(s) by any electronic means.
Avoid reusing passwords for any other account or system.
Passphrases are typically a sequence of words used for authentication or encryption purposes. Remember, a good passphrase should be easy for you to recall but hard for others to guess.

Support and Assistance

If you have any questions or need assistance with changing your password, please do not hesitate to contact the Technical Service Desk at 410-777-HELP (4357) or visit our on-site location in CRSC 108 during working hours. We are here to help make this transition as smooth as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this important update. Your cooperation is vital in maintaining the security and integrity of our institutional data.

Technical Service Desk

Monday – Thursday – 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Details

Article ID: 151875

Created

Tue 6/25/24 11:29 AM

Modified

Wed 8/7/24 9:31 AM

Audience

Target audience for article content.

Students
Faculty
Staff