Passwords - Physics Computers and YOU

Last modified: 11 Oct 2006

I can't log in, access email, etc. What's wrong?
Do not fret! Most likely it is because your password has expired (assuming you actually have an account). Please go to https://www.physics.tamu.edu/scripts/chpwd.php, and you can change your password there. This will allow you to change your password even if you cannot log into a machine. However, if you have forgotten your password, you will have to contact someone in computer support to reset it. Please read through the rest of this document so that you can choose a good password.

A Word about STRONG Passwords
I know you've all heard this before, but we're going to say it again. You have to use GOOD passwords in order to be effective. In fact, if you don't use a good password, you really might as well not be using a password at all.

That's just good, sound advice. Now you might be thinking "I don't have anything worth stealing. I don't care if someone can get into my account". The problem is, if they can get into your account, they have taken the first step to gaining access to everyone else's account on that computer. And that is why using a strong password is a requirement here on the computers in the Physics Department.

So what is a STRONG password? Without getting into a long discussion, it is one which uses ALL of the following elements:

This would be a good place to mention that there is an online course which is required by the TAMU Human Resources Department for all faculty and staff. You should goto https://hrc.tamus.edu/_campus/menu.asp and take the course titled Information Security Awareness.


Changing your password
How Often?
Changing your password is something you MUST do at least every 4 (four) months. Note that here in the department, while not every application that uses the computer systems check for an old password, there are some that do. Therefore, if something "no longer works", it's a good bet that your password has expired and you need to change it.

How do I do it?
Changing your password requires that you logon (via an SSH client such as "putty") to the interactive Linux computer(currently named io.physics.tamu.edu or vminteractive.physics.tamu.edu). At the command prompt, type:

smbldap-passwd

and hit return. You will be asked for your current password, then to make up a new password (twice). Note that while typing your passwords, the cursor will not move across the screen.


If you have forogtten your password
This requires manual intervention by one of the computer support folks. The best thing to do is for you to come by either 210T ENPH or 438T ENPH and so that you can create a new password.

Note that under no circumstances can we email your password to you. By definition, email is transmitted in clear text, meaning anyone with a "sniffer" program could read the message.