Employee Password Policy

Passwords are the virtual keys to the COM network. Passwords give you access not only to all the files and information on your computer (data files, email, network drives, etc.), but also to student and financial information.

Protecting your password is an important aspect of security and confidentiality. To protect our information all employees must change their network login password every 90 days.

While student passwords do not expire, ITS recommends students change their password every 90 days.

Choosing a Password

The password must meet these complexity requirements:

  • Be at least eight characters in length
  • Not contain the user’s account name or parts of the user’s full name that exceed two consecutive characters
  • Contain characters from three of the following four categories:
    • English uppercase characters (A through Z)
    • English lowercase characters (a through z)
    • Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
    • Non-alphabetic characters (for example, !, $, #, %)
Note: If your current password meets the above requirements you will not need to change your password for another 90 days.

How do I change My Password?

From your Windows computer: Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then click Change a password. Type your old password, type your new password, type your new password again to confirm it, and then press enter.

Don’t forget to update your new password on your mobile devices

What if I forget My Password?

Information Technology Services (ITS) strongly recommends that you enroll in our self-service password reset center. PortalGuard is a self-service password reset and unlock program, which can be accessed from the web anywhere in the world: at home or at work, on a traditional computer or personal device. It allows you to take ownership of your network password, resolving forgotten password issues faster and without having to submit a ticket or wait for a Help Desk response.

Activation of PortalGuard requires a one-time enrollment process with an optional additional layer of security utilizing your personal e-mail/mobile device. The total activation process should take less than 5 minutes. Once activated, it will not be necessary to repeat these steps.

Password Protection Guidelines

  • ITS will NEVER ask you for your password
  • Do not share passwords
  • Do not send your password or any other sensitive information via email
  • If you suspect your password has been stolen or compromised, change it immediately!
  • Do not write your password down and post it in a unsecured area such as your computer’s monitor