Passwords

One of the best security defenses - as well as the most mistreated - is the password. It is important to keep your password private and change it on a regular basis. Password encroachment technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and everyone can be vulnerable to this sort of crime. It is important that you never share your password with anyone - you wouldn’t share your toothbrush, would you?

Your Password is Your Responsibility

All accounts, passwords, and other types of authorization (NKU keys, access cards, etc.) are the responsibility of the user and are not to be disclosed to others. If another person needs access to computers, systems and applications which are property of NKU, they must follow the proper procedures to acquire their own admittance.

When an employee leaves the university or transfers to another department, HR and OIT must be notified immediately in order to protect  NKU systems or data. Upon notification, the employee’s accounts will be disabled in accordance with OIT protocol.

Reminder: NEVER, EVER SHARE YOUR PASSWORD through email or other forms of electronic communication. NKU or any other legitimate business will never request this type of confidential information through electronic means.

Password Tips

• Never give your password to anyone including co-workers, family, etc.
• Never write your password down.
• Never give your password to service or support personnel.
• Northern Kentucky University personnel are not authorized to ask for password information and any such request is fraudulent.
  
• If someone contacts you and asks you for your password on behalf of Northern Kentucky University, please contact the IT Help Desk so we can investigate.
• There may be circumstances where your user name may be verified.
• Do not use the "Remember Password" feature of applications or web browsers.
  
• Do not store passwords in a file on ANY computer system without encryption.

Important Selection Tips

• Make sure the password is something you will remember without the need to write it.
• Do not use family, pet names, or personal information.
• You should include a variety of characters: upper case, lower case, special and numeric.
  
• When changing your password try to make a complete change.