Password Guidelines

Passwords identify the user and allow authorized access to IT resources to that user. Poorly chosen passwords or ineffective password practices may compromise the Saskatchewan Polytechnic network.

Use this guide to create complex passwords, protect passwords and manage password changes. When you access Saskatchewan Polytechnic IT resources, you are responsible for taking the appropriate steps, as outlined below, to select and secure your passwords.

Password Guidelines & Recommendations

  1. Use the Password Manager to manage your Saskatchewan Polytechnic account without assistance from the Helpdesk.  Access the Password Manager by following the "Click here to reset your password" link on mySaskPolytech. Do not use the same password for Sask Polytech accounts as for other non-Sask Polytech access such as a personal email account.
  2. Avoid using the same password for multiple Sask Polytech accounts.
  3. Avoid using a password pattern, reuse of old passwords or simply adding numbers to the end of a current password.
  4. It is your responsibility to protect your password;  Follow these rules to ensure your password and account are properly protected:
    • Never reveal your password over the phone or through any electronic form to anyone including your supervisor, co-workers or family members.
    • Do not write your password down or store it anywhere in your office.
    • Do not store passwords in any mobile or smart device without the use of proper encryption technology.
    • Do not use the "Remember Password" feature of applications (e.g., web pages).
    • Lock your workstation or use a screen saver password when you leave for short periods. Use Windows key +L to lock your workstation.
    • Logoff or restart your computer at the end of day and when leaving for extended periods. Leave your computer turned on to allow updates to occur as scheduled.
  1. Use complex passwords that follow these requirements:
    • Contains characters from at least three of these categories:
      • English uppercase characters (A-Z)
      • English lowercase characters (a-z)
      • Numbers (base 10 digits 0-9)
      • Symbols (for example: !, $, #, or %)
      • Unicode characters (for example: €, Γ, or λ)
    • Does not contain:
      • Your username or part of your name
      • Any word found in a dictionary (English or foreign)
      • Names of family, pets, friends, co-workers, fantasy characters, etc.
      • Birthdays and other personal information such as addresses and phone numbers
      • Acronyms from any field
      • Patterns like aaabbb, qwerty, zyxwvuts, 123321, etc.
      • Any of the above spelled backwards
  1. Use these tips to remember your passwords
    • Combine 2-3 short words to create “pass phrases” to make it more memorable then add symbols or numbers within your pass phrases. Choose people or events that are on your mind.
    • Use something funny or unique to you.
    • Use numbers or symbols to represent the letters they are replacing
    • Use your password immediately and use it frequently; avoid changing your password on Friday or just before you leave on vacation.

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