Questions (and answers) regarding the new Network ID Password Change Utility.

Q: What is the "Network ID Password Change Utility"?
A: The Network ID Password Change Utility is a Web-based mechanism that allows you to manage your Network ID password. The Utility allows you to reset a forgotten password on demand rather than having a temporary password emailed to you.

The on-demand password reset piece is enabled by setting up a challenge question and appropriate response. If you forget your password, you will be presented with the challenge question. Assuming you supply the correct response, you will be able to give yourself a new password that will last for the rest of the term.

Q: Why should I care?
A: The Password Change Utility gives you more control over your password. As ITS moves closer to a "single sign-on" environment (i.e., one set of credentials for multiple systems), password control will be key to the security of your network resources.

Q: How do I create a challenge question?
A: Go to the Utility and choose the link to "Setup or Change your Challenge/Response key." Enter your Network ID and password, a challenge question, and the response to the question.

Q: What type of question can I use as my challenge question?
A: That's up to you, but it should be one whose answer would be difficult for others to guess (or know) and one that you can easily remember. Short answers are typically easier to remember and type. (Note the response is case sensitive.)

Q: Can I change my question and response?
A: Both the challenge question and the response can be changed whenever you want (assuming you know your password).

Q: What else are the Network ID and password used for?
A: Your Network ID and password are used for email, Moodle, Novell, NetStorage, wireless, Skillman Mac login, the online directory and other protected Web content.. A complete list of systems and their credentials can be found in the help document Managing your Passwords.

Q: How often do I need to change my Network ID password?
A: Network ID passwords no longer expire; however, it is good to change it regularly every three to six months and anytime you think your password may have become known by a human or machine.

Q: What is a "strong password"?
A: A "strong" password is one that is more secure by virtue of being difficult for a machine or a human to guess. Password strength can be achieved by incorporating at least 8 characters, mixed case, numbers and letters and at least one special character. You can review the guidelines for strong passwords and test your password strength on the ITS Web site.

Q: How do I change my current password?
A: If you know your current password, go to the Utility and follow the "Change your Network ID Password" link.

Q: I forgot my password. What should I do?
A: If you have already set up your challenge question and response, just go to the Utility and follow the "Reset a forgotten password" link. After you submit your Network ID the Utility will ask you to provide the response to your challenge. Assuming you provide the correct response, the next screen will allow you to give yourself a new password.

Q: I forgot my password and I haven't set up my challenge/response yet. What should I do?
A: You will need to visit the Skillman Library Reference desk and present your Lafayette ID card to have your password reset.

Q: I'm trying to reset my password but I keep getting a message that says the answer to my question is incorrect. What should I do?
A: You will need to visit the Skillman Library Reference desk and present your Lafayette ID card to have your password reset after which you can set up a new challenge/response. You will need to present your Lafayette ID to have your password reset.

Q: I can't remember the answer to my challenge question. What can I do?
A: You will need to visit the Skillman Library Reference desk and present your Lafayette ID card to have your password reset.