Network security is only as good as the weakest password of a single user.

Passwords are the single, most critical link between keeping your data secure and giving away the farm.  Single word passwords (like car, boat, etc.) or names (your spouse, child, or pet) are simply TOO easy for anyone who knows anything about you to guess.

When selecting a password, simply capitalizing a letter ("boAt" for example) or adding a number ("my95Camry") is a good start.  Another easy to remember password is a mnemonic (such as "havefun2day") or a phrase ("2beorNot2be").

Here are a few other resources:

Stanford's SLAC Computer Security - Suggestions for Selecting Good Passwords

Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science - How to choose good passwords

Want to see if your password is strong enough?  Check out SecurityStats.Com's Password Strength Meter.

DO's of Password Security

1. Do commit your password to memory rather than writing it down. Be innovative and create a password that can easily be remembered but not easily guessed.
2. Do change your password FREQUENTLY. At least every three months for normal usage and more frequently if your password is used to access WUHSD from other networks such as from home.
3. Do mix numbers, special characters and both uppercase and lowercase letters in your password.
4. Do log out of your account when you are finished. This will keep someone from using your access and privileges.

DO Not's of Password Security

1. Do not share your password with anyone.
2. Do not send it in an email message.
3. Do not use your WUHSD ID password as a password on other websites or subscription service.
4. Do not use words or names from any language.
5. Do not use words or names spelled backwards.
6. Do not use personal data, such as your name, birthdate, Social Security number, phone number, or address.
7. Do not use your WUHSD ID as any part of your password.
8. Do not use passwords explicitly mentioned here as examples, boAt or 2beorNot2be for instance.

And finally, remember that passwords are confidential... DO NOT GIVE YOUR PASSWORD TO ANYONE!

How to change your password(s) in...

Windows Logon and E-mail

Once you have successfully logged with your current password and are “sitting on the Desktop”:

1. Press CTRL-ALT-DEL and the “Windows Security” window will appear.
2. Click “Change Password” (first button in the second row)
3. Follow the prompts and type in the OLD and NEW passwords on the appropriate lines.

You do NOT need to log out!  The change is effective immediately.  Because Exchange is integrated into our Windows-based network, your new Windows Logon password will also your new e-mail password.

SASIxp/CLASSxp

At the logon prompt:

1. Type in your username and OLD password, but DO NOT select LOGIN.
2. Click “Change Password”
3. Type in the NEW password on BOTH lines and click “Change”.
          NOTE: hitting the ENTER key selects “Cancel”, not “Change”.
4. When you are returned to the logon prompt, your NEW password will be inserted, simply click “Login” at this point.

InteGrade Pro Gradebook(s)

Once you have opened your gradebook as usual:

1. From the “Setup” menu, select “Change Password”
2. Follow the prompts.

This will automatically change the password for ALL of your gradebooks.