Information Technology

 

Passwords

One of the most common methods a hacker would use to compromise the BW campus network would be to steal a user’s password.  This is a form of identity theft.  This is why password security is one of the single most important issues that we stress.  Password carelessness or utilizing a “weak” password is like leaving the key in the front door!  

To protect your individual security, as well as the integrity of the BW network, select a password that is sufficiently ‘robust’ by using a minimum of 8 characters, mixing upper and lower case letters, numeric digits, and punctuation.   Never use any of the following as your password:  your user ID, your nickname, the name of your partner, child, or pet, your address or birth date, or a common word from the English dictionary (password programs will often reject these).
Never share your password with others or allow anyone to watch while you type your password.  Always lock your computer when it is unattended.  Never write down your password or keep it in an accessible file on your computer.  And don’t forget to change your password frequently!
Keep in mind that you will NEVER be asked to divulge your password to a member of the College or the HelpDesk staff (either verbally or via e-mail), so don’t be fooled by fraudulent requests.

Instructions for changing your password:

Faculty and Staff: This will change your Baldwin Wallace Windows password, Blackboard/Portal password, and Outlook password simultaneously. (NOTE: Your Colleague password is not included in this process and can only be changed in Colleague.)
  1. Log on to any campus computer.
  2. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys on the keyboard. 
  3. Select the “Change Password” option. 
  4. Enter your current password in the “Old Password” field and then enter your new secure password in the “New Password” field.  You will have to re-type your new password for confirmation.  Click “OK.”

Students: This will change your Baldwin Wallace Windows password, Blackboard/Portal password, and Outlook Live password simultaneously.
  1. Go to: https://www.bw.edu/chgpss/Default.aspx
  2. Enter your current password in the “Old Password” field and then enter your new secure password in the “New Password” field.  You will have to re-type your new password for confirmation. 
  3. Enter the numeric code shown in the box and click “Submit.”
  4. You will need to wait approximately 1 minute for the change to take effect.   
Share |