Passwords for SPU Employees

This is an important reminder from Human Resources and from Computer & Information Systems about SPU computer credentials (username and password).

Your SPU Password Must Not Be Shared

Your SPU username and password is the “key” to unlock access to campus resources and sensitive data.  Your SPU account password should not be shared with anyone:

• Not your co-workers – all authenticated access is tracked back to you.
• Not your boss/subordinate – need to share calendar access, track vital messages?  CIS can assist you in delegating access as needed, without sharing passwords.
• Not your spouse – we occasionally hear about spouses with access to Banner for pay stubs or fringe benefits.  Please never do this.

CIS has mechanisms that can be used when “shared access to resources” is required for your job.  You never need to give your password to anyone else.

If you have previously shared your password with others --- PLEASE take a moment right nowto reset it (see instructions below)!

Passwords... Your First Line of Computer Security!  

Four requirements for a good password:

1.  Choose a strong complex password or passphrase. A minimum of 10 characters, with mixed letters, numbers, and upper/lower case.

2.  Don't share it with others, ever!

3.  Change it occasionally - at least yearly.

4.  Don't re-use you SPU password with non-SPU online accounts.

How to Change Your SPU Password?   

At SPU, the same username and password is used for most campus resources: Banner, Blackboard, Webmail/Outlook, network access, etc...  Change this password through the Banner Information System.

1.  Login to Banner with your SPU username and password

2.  Select the Personal Menu--> then Computer Accounts Menu

3.  Choose Change Your Password

4.  The password sync takes 5 minutes to be in effect for all SPU resources. After your change -- wait a little while to test it.

5.  After you change your password make sure you update it on any device that might store the password (phones, tablets, etc...). Multiple bad passwords will automatically "lock" your account for 30 minutes. Make sure after a password change you update all the devices that check-in automatically with the new password.

Use a Password/Passcode for ALL Your Devices!

• Also set a password or passcode on your mobile phone, your tablet, personal computer, and/or your iPad. Most people configure their phones and mobile devices to access email, Facebook, and bank accounts automatically, so locking these devices down is important.
• Phones and other mobile devices are frequently lost or stolen. Don't leave your personal data exposed by making it easy to find.

Watch Out for Phishing!

SPU employees (and students too) sometimes fall for a clever phishing email message attempting to steal your computer credentials (username and password). We have seen a significant spike in compromised credentials in the past few weeks. Please be on your guard. Alert CIS IMMEDIATELY if you think you have been phished!

Thank you,

Gary Womelsduff, Human Resources
Dave Tindall, Computer and Information Systems