The Importance of Managing Your Passwords
Passwords are an important aspect of computer security. They are the front line protection for user accounts. The number one way malicious individuals break into systems is by guessing poorly chosen or blank passwords.
The Michigan Tech Initial Sign-On (ISO) password is used to consolidate and reduce the number of passwords that must be remembered by individuals as well as to increase the security of our systems. It is the password you use for HuskyMail, Blackboard and Banweb. To change this password and/or learn more about it please visit the MTU ISO Home Page.
A good password is important both to protect your own documents and to protect other accounts on the computers that you log in to. Even if you feel that you personally do not have any files that a hacker might be interested in, it is possible that once they have gained access to your account, they will be able to use your account to gain access to their accounts.
Compromised passwords can result in loss of data, denial of service for other users, or attacks directed at other Internet users from a compromised machine. Compromised passwords can also result in the inappropriate disclosure of private data and potentially lead to identity theft.
Choose Strong Passwords
- Minimum of at least 8 characters
- Contain at least 1 lower/upper case letter, at least 1 number and 1 special character
- Use passphrases
- Change every 90 days
Keep your password safe
- Never write down or give out your ISO or other University-related password to anyone
- Michigan Tech will never ask for your password
- Use different passwords for non-University web sites (Yahoo, Gmail, Amazon, etc)