Secure+Passwords

It is an expectation that all staff members use secure passwords and that passwords (for students or staff) never be posted on or near a computer. Students should not have access to other students' passwords. Volunteers should not be given access to student, staff, or program passwords.

There are a variety of programs that require passwords.
 * Some passwords are created for you and cannot be changed. i.e. TeacherWeb, Houghton Mifflin eServices
 * Some are created for you but can be changed upon request. i.e. Ren. Learn products
 * Some passwords you create yourself after an initial login with a generic password, and once created by you, need not be changed unless you choose to do at a later time. i.e. GroupWise.
 * Some passwords will need to be changed periodically, typically every 30 to 90 days. i.e. Novell, NCWise. When prompted to do so, you must change the password as soon as possible to prevent being locked out of the program. The new password must be unique meaning that it cannot be a password you have used in the past (previous 8 changes).

//Here is an example of how to create a secure password.// Starting with the sentence, "I love to eat pizza and popcorn", use the first letter of each word and replace some letters with numbers that sort of look like letters. Then add a number to the end that can be changed each time you change your password. i1t3pap1. Then, all you really have to remember is the "I love to eat pizza and popcorn" part.
 * A secure password is one that is not easily guessed.** Do not use personal information names (pet, spouse, child) or dates, or repeat the program name as the password. Instead, use something that would be nearly impossible for anyone to guess. You can mix letters, numbers, and some characters (like *, &, %, !). Try combining parts of words or the first letter of each word in a sentence or phrase. You can also try replacing letters for numbers or symbols... Have you ever noticed that an E looks like a backwards 3? How about using the letter 'l' or symbol ! for the number 1?

Once a secure password has been created, it is every staff member's responsibility to keep it secure. Do not record passwords in a convenient location like under your keyboard or mouse pad, or in a notebook that you always keep near your computer. Instead, record them somewhere that no one would think to look. Password security, especially for programs such as NCWise, must be a top priority for all staff members.


 * Hint:** //If you have trouble remembering passwords that must be changed periodically, try using the same 'base' and changing a number in it to a successive number.//