Dear UTPA Student and UTPA Employee,

We sent the email below on September 12th regarding the strong password policy. 

Due to security concerns, it has become imperative to have a strong password policy for all systems that support complex password policies.  Strong passwords will need to conform to password policies set on:
Active Directory - logging into your computer and other computers in the UTPA Domain,
Oracle E-Business - logging into Oracle Web Application for your time cards, self-service, etc.
Oracle OID - logging into Oracle File Workspaces where files are shared out.

The passwords will need to be complex, with alphanumeric characters, different cases, and must meet the character length requirement.
Password Requirements:
Character length - Minimum of 10 characters
Complex - a word not found in a dictionary
Alphanumeric - numbers and characters
Case - mixture of upper and lower case

Here are some hints for choosing a strong password:
1.    Think of a sentence (phrase/favorite lyrics) you can remember and use the first letter of each word as part of your password, i.e.: lyrics from Kaiser Chiefs’ Ruby:  Let it never be said, That romance is dead. KCl1nbstr1d
2.    Substitute numbers for letters and mix up case-instead of meowmeowmeow use M30wm30wm30w.

Remember, it is important to remember your new password without having to write it. Also, do not use personal information as part of your password ie Driver’s License Number, Social Security Number, first name, and last name.

Please spend some time choosing a strong password so when the policies are set in place, you will be ready to enter your new password.    
The effective data will be November 5, 2007.  Please note that the changes will occur so that once you change your password, it will be synched for all systems.  
If you have any questions, please call Helpdesk at 956.381.2020 or email questions to helpdesk@utpa.edu.

Thank you,

Information Security Office and Academic Services