Password Complexity and Expirations Rules
The University of Mary Washington requires the use of complex passwords for accessing university systems. The use of complex passwords and an expiration requirement protects university systems and data. The Password Standard details Password Complexity, Expirations Rules, and Screen Saver Inactivity Lockout rules.
Keep your passwords safe!
Your NetID and password provide access to many UMW applications. If your password is easily guessed, accessible, or obtained, your private data and the confidential and sensitive data of others can be compromised. Further, another individual could possibly send email correspondence, initiate system transactions, or perform other activities that would be attributed to you. You should always follow these guidelines:
- Do not share your password with anyone. Never provide your password in an email or in a response to an email request. Never include your password in any file transmission. Please know that UMW IT personnel will never ask for your password.
- Use different passwords for different websites and services. Do not use your UMW account credentials on other, non-UMW, systems and applications.
- Use passwords that are easy for you to remember and difficult for others to guess.
- Do not save or store your passwords in your browser or within applications.
- Protect any recorded passwords. Don’t store passwords on a file in your computer, because criminals will look there first. Keep any written record of passwords in a safe, secure place.
- If you suspect that your password has been compromised please immediately email it-abuse@umw.edu or call the Director of IT Security at 540-654-2152.