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Recent Changes

Password Management - FAQ's

Please be sure to review the information on the New Passwords Standard main page.

  1. Who is affected by this change?
  2. How do I change my password?
  3. Will my password be reset or my account unlocked on a weekend?
  4. Do I have to change my password when the new password policy goes in effect?
  5. If my current password does not meet the required password policy, will my account be locked?
  6. I'm having problems logging in. How can I find out if my account has been locked?
  7. I'm having problems changing my password, what's wrong?
  8. What's a good way to keep track of or remember passwords?
  9. Are there other ways of securing my passwords in case I can't memorize them?
  10. How can I check to see if I'm using a strong enough password?
  11. What does phishing have to do with passwords?
  12. What should I do if I think someone has obtained my password?
  13. For what logins does the password policy apply?

  1. Who is affected by this change?
    This change applies to computer and email accounts in the Campus Active Directory domain.

    • You will be affected when logging onto your mail@UCSF account to retrieve email or check your calendar.
    • For clarification regarding your computer logon account, contact your departmental Computer Support Staff (CSC).
    • If you do not have departmental computer support you are likely not logging onto a domain account when you log into your computer and will not be affected.

  2. How do I change my password?
    When your existing password expires you will be prompted to enter a new one. You may also change your password at any time, prior to the system prompting you. There are several ways to change your password:

    For Windows:

    • While logged on to your computer, hit the CTRL+ALT+DEL key combination. There will be an option for “Change Password;”
    • Or, use the web-based password reset tool;
    • Or, you can also Outlook Web Access.

    For MAC and other Operating Systems:

  3. Will my password be reset or my account unlocked on a weekend?
    OAAIS does not provide afterhours support for password resets or unlocking mail@UCSF accounts. Calls to OAAIS Customer Support to assist with password resets and locked accounts will be addressed the following business day.

  4. Do I have to change my password when the new protocols go into effect?
    Yes; you will receive email notification to alert you when your current password is set to expire.

  5. If my current password does not meet the required standards, will my account be locked?
    No; your password will not have to meet the requirements until the system prompts you to change it.

  6. I'm having problems logging in. How can I find out if my account has been locked?
    Currently the only method is to contact the OAAIS Customer Support Desk at 415-514-4100, Option 2, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Mon - Fri.

  7. I'm having problems changing my password, what's wrong?
    Make sure that you are entering at least 7 characters for your password and that you are typing it properly without the CAPS LOCK key on; passwords are case sensitive.

  8. What's a good way to keep track of or remember passwords?
    There are many tricks and strategies for memorizing passwords, one of which may be more suitable for you than another. Here are some practical ways of memorizing multiple passwords:

    • Create a "vanity plate" password phrase. This is a good option if you don't have a lot of passwords to remember. Choose a favorite song, book, or short phrase, and translate it into something that is easily memorized.

      • Eight Days a Week becomes "8Dys@Wk!"
      • Let's Stay Together becomes "Lts$A2Gtr."
      • The phrase Hard to Crack becomes "Hrd2Cr@k!"

    • Use mnemonics. Somewhat similar to a vanity plate password phrase, mnemonics are sound and other memory aids. You may want to choose a phrase or verse and translate it into a password. You could also create a password phrase that expresses an opinion or relates to something important to yourself. The key is to make it simple enough that you don't have to think too much about where you abbreviated a word or inserted a symbol. This is a good option if you don't have a lot of passwords to remember.

      • "I like to eat at Red Lobster" becomes "Ilik2e@RL"
      • "This is my Amazon password" becomes "Th$My@mz0n"

  9. Are there other ways of securing my passwords in case I can't memorize them?
    It's best to try to keep your passwords in your head:

    • Do not write your passwords down on notes near or on your computer.
    • Do not store your passwords on your computer unless they are encrypted.
    • Do not keep a hard copy file folder of your passwords.
    • Do not give your passwords to others; not anyone. Recent news stories have highlighted how easily people will reveal their passwords, even to complete strangers. Human error continues to be the number one reason sites are cracked, so be smart and don't share your passwords with anyone.

  10. How can I check to see if I'm using a strong enough password?
    The "check" will be that the mail@UCSF system will not accept a password that does not comply with these protocols.

  11. What does phishing have to do with passwords?
    Hackers try to trick people into giving away their passwords and other personal information by sending fake e-mail messages that appear to be from familiar Web sites such as eBay or a local bank. Because the e-mails look official some people provide the requested information. Keep in mind that OAAIS will never ask you to reveal your password.

  12. What should I do if I think someone has obtained my password?
    If you suspect an account or password has been compromised, report the incident to your departmental Computer Support Staff or directly to the OAAIS Customer Support Desk, and change all your passwords.

  13. For what logins do these protocols apply?
    These password protocols apply to your Campus mail@UCSF account. In many cases this is the same password you use to access your Windows-based computer.

Customer Support
Office of Academic & Administrative Information Systems (OAAIS)
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Mon - Fri
(415) 514-4100, Option 2
CustomerSupport@ucsf.edu

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