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Account and Password Help

These topics can assist you if you are unable to sign in to your account.

Passwords

Passwords expire after 180 days. You will receive an email notification 14 days before your password will expire. If your password expires, you will be prompted to change it upon your first sign in.

Passwords must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 characters
  • Must contain at least one upper case letter (A-Z)
  • Must contain at least one lower case letter (a-z)
  • Cannot contain part of your username
  • Cannot contain your first or last name
  • Cannot be a commonly used and weak password

Use a passphrase instead!

A passphrase is a string of unrelated words that you use as a password. They are easier to remember because they are made of words, and they are stronger because length equals strength when it comes to passwords.

Not sure what to use as a passphrase? Look around and find three or four objects. For example: table Bob coffee map

The example above is easy to remember and extremely difficult for a hacker to guess. Avoid using known phrases like common sayings or music lyrics. If the same string of words exists on the internet like Wikipedia, hackers can use it to guess your passphrase.