McCree Lake visited last weeks SGA meeting on Nov. 8 to discuss the new Net ID password system.
KSU implemented a new password system to replace
the old system in January 2012. The new system did not maintain proper password standards, only had a minimum of six characters and no usage time limit.
Old passwords will not transfer into the new system. If students have not updated their password since January they will need to visit netid. kennesaw.edu and follow the directions to activate
a new password.
“That [change in password] is setting up your account on the new system. There’s a new minimum set of requirements – 12 characters minimum on the passwords, it must include at least one letter, one number and one special character,” said Lake.
Due to the password’s increased length and complexity, Lake recommends creating a memorable and
personal phrase instead of using just words.
The new system was put
in effect to make students’ accounts more secure. The
Net ID password grants access to Kennesaw State University sites such as student e-mail, Owl Express, GeorgiaVIEW Vista (soon to be Desire2Learn) and other personal resources.
“The University System
of Georgia is beginning to impose a standard on the University Systems. Kennesaw
is actually really ahead in this area, whether you like it or
not, because a lot of the other school systems don’t have a sort of system in place to manage this yet and we do, so we’re actually at a place where we can enforce this policy,” said Lake.
Another new password policy in effect designed to increase security is that once students activate their new 12-character password, they will have to change it once a year.
“Some people have never changed their password since they activated it for the first time so as of Jan. 14 when we
went live with the new system the clock is ticking, so to speak, so if you’ve changed your password anywhere between January 14 and now, 365 days from that date is going to be when you have to change it again,” said Lake.
To make students aware of these changes, an email will
be sent 45 days before the password change is due. The email will explain the policy, list when your last password was changed, when it’s due again and how many days you have left. Emails will continue to be sent until the student updates their password.
Students who don’t change their password by Jan. 21, 2013 will no longer be able to login to anything on the Net ID password system unless they change their password and reset their account.
The new Net ID password will reduce the risk of others gaining access to student’s personal accounts and information, because it is more complex than the old system.
RULES
- Enforcement of new 365-day password policy begins Jan. 21.
- Access to student email, Owl Express, campus computers and all other systems using Net ID authentication will be denied if user has not changed password within 365 days of deadline.
- Nine email reminders will be sent to users approaching their password change deadline, including instructions and help resources.
NEW REGULATIONS
- Minimum of 12 characters.
- Must include one letter and one number.
- Must include one special character.
- All account passwords must be changed at least once every 365 days.
