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Additional Information

Passphrase/Password


NetID & Password

Passphrase/Password

Your NetID passphrase/password works in conjunction with your NetID to validate your identity on the NU Network. As your "key" to the network and your user account, your passphrase/password should be guarded carefully and never shared with anyone.

Your NetID password is subject to certain content requirements.

It must:

  • be 6-8 characters in length.
  • contain a non-alphabetical character such as 1 2 3 ! $ & * , ? + =
  • contain one or more non-alphabetical characters between alphabetical characters (example: "A3b", "j3;M").

It cannot:

  • be a password used in the previous 18 months.
  • be similar to your previous password.
  • be a palindrome (example: "abc.cba", "cb,,bc").
  • include the characters # @ ' " ` \
  • include character strings from any part of your name (examples for "James Smith": "James", "ames", "mith").
  • include part of your name with upper case characters (example: "AmeS").
  • include part of your name with numbers substituted for letters (example: "j4m3s").
  • include reserved strings (example: "wild", "cats").
  • include part of reserved strings with upper case characters (example: "WilD', "cAtS").
  • include part of reserved strings with numbers substituted for letters (example: "wi1d", "E3e3").
  • include repeated letters or numbers (example: "AaAa", "3E3e", "aaaa").
  • include runs of adjacent keys (example: "hjkl").

Creating your own secure passphrase/password

A passphrase is a phrase or sentence from which you can generate a password. Think of a passphrase that is unique to you and is easy to remember. Use the first letter of each word to create a secure password, such as Ic,Is,Ic (I came, I saw, I conquered).

How are passwords cracked?

Dictionary programs are just one tool used by hackers to crack passwords. A hacker can pass every word in a dictionary (English, foreign language, slang) through a login program hoping that a word will eventually match a password. The hacker will use someone else's password to gain access to secure information or to cover his or her tracks on the way to another target. Outsmart hackers by using a passphrase!

Is my passphrase/password secure?

Your passphrase/password is NOT secure if:

  • someone who knows you would be able to guess it.
  • it's too common (examples: coldplay, cubbybear, searstower) or is a word that can be found in a dictionary.
  • less than eight (8) characters long.

Change your passphrase/password often!

Frequent passphrase/password changes are essential to protect the security of the University network. You may change your passphrase/password as often as you like. Northwestern uses a "passphrase/password aging" system which requires you to change your passphrase/password for your NetID every 120 days. You will receive an e-mail reminder to change your passphrase/password 42 days before your password expires.

Passphrase/password DO's and DON'Ts:

  • DO use a passphrase.
  • DO change your password often.
  • DO use different passphrases/passwords for different 'classes' of information you use, such as work, school, personal, and financial information.
  • DON'T use information that can be obtained about you, such as a license plate or phone number, or the names of children or pets.
  • DON'T use words found in the dictionary or two words separated by punctuation.
  • DON'T use passphrases/passwords with fewer than eight (8) characters.
  • DON'T use features that offer to 'remember your password'.
  • DON'T keep a 'default' password. Make your own!

What if I forget my password?

If you previously set a PIN number for online identification, you may reset your password.

If you previously set a question and answer combination for online identification, you may call the NUIT Support Center to have your password reset by a consultant.

If you do not have a PIN or a question/answer combination, you must bring your WildCARD to the NUIT Support Center on the Evanston campus.

Additional Information

Support Contact

NUIT Support Center

Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu

Last Updated: 07 June 2007