Password FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Password Management Policy [DOC] [PDF]

  1. What do I do if I forget my password?
    1. If you forget your password, please contact the OTS HelpDesk at 505.566.3266 for assistance.
       
  2. How do I change my password?
    1. If you are on campus using a San Juan College owned computer system:
      1. Log in to the system.
      2. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del, and then click the “Change Password” button.
      3. Enter and confirm your new password.
      4. Click OK.
      5. Click Cancel.
    2. If you are not on campus:
      1. Open Internet Explorer.
      2. In the address bar at the top, type the following line: http://www.sanjuancollege.edu/reset
      3. Make sure that the “Domain” text box says: sjcnt
      4. Type your username in the “Username” text box.
      5. Type your current password in the “Old Password” text box.
      6. Type your new password in the “New Password” text box.
      7. Re-type your new password in the “Confirm New Password” text box.
      8. Click OK.
         
  3. How often will I have to change my password?
    1. You will need to change your password at least once every 180 days.
       
  4. Why do I need to change my password?
    1. Your password must be changed to protect the integrity of your account. The older a password is, the easier it is to compromise. Also, if anyone should obtain your credentials, you can prevent them from using your password indefinitely by changing your password.
       
  5. Can I change my password to one I have used previously?
    1. No, you will be unable to use your previous 5 passwords.
       
  6. How do I choose a secure password?
    1. Do not use passwords that are easily guessed. Some characteristics of bad passwords are:
      1. Words that can be found in a dictionary.
      2. Words that can be easily linked to you, such as:
        1. Telephone numbers
        2. License plate numbers
        3. Significant dates (such as birth, marriage, graduation, etc)
        4. Any other personal information
    2. Choose a password that can be easily remembered, contains at least one capital letter, at least one lowercase letter, at least one number, and at least one special character.
      1. This is not as difficult as it sounds. For instance, you could create a password based on a phrase, such as “Normal people don’t have to do this!” and alter it to create a password like “Npdh2dt!” This example is not found in a dictionary, and cannot be easily guessed, but is relatively easy to remember when you remember the phrase.
      2. Another popular method for creating secure passwords is to re-arrange, replace, and substitute characters for an easily remembered password, such as using “Sdr0wk@b” as a substitute for the easily remembered “Backwards”.
      3. More information can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/password/create.mspx
      4. To see how your password compares to others in complexity and length requirements, you can use this tool provided by Microsoft Corporation: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/password/checker.mspx
        ***NOTE*** If your password results in a “Strong” rating from this password checking utility, it is acceptable.
         
  7. Will any of the systems I access not automatically change when I change my password?
    1. The following systems will not change when you change your password:
      1. HDO (HelpDesk Online – The OTS work order and HelpDesk online application)
      2. ACT (Physical Plant work order and HelpDesk system)
      3. The Foundation software (Blackbaud)
      4. FRx
      5. ACT! Software for QCB
      6. SiteBuilder
         
  8. How do I change my passwords for these systems?
    1. If you are unsure of how to change your password for any of these systems, or others that do not synchronize, please contact the OTS HelpDesk at 505.566.3297.
       
  9. Why does the system sometimes lock me out?
    1. If someone attempts to login incorrectly for a given account three times, that user’s account will be locked out until reset.
       
  10. How will I know my password is about to expire?
    1. You will receive a warning message after you log in stating that your password is about to expire and must be changed.
       
  11. What are some other ways I can help protect my password?
    1. Do not write your password down.
    2. Do not tell anyone your password. The administrator of a computer system NEVER needs to know anyone else’s password.
    3. Do not send your password or any other password via unencrypted email.