Shown Above: Lori Mardis, Owens Library staff The new password changes have been in effect since April 4, 2005. --Tabatha Verbick, Client Computing User Consultant

All Northwest passwords must meet Homeland Security password complexity rules.

To be in compliance with these rules passwords must be at least 8 characters in length. The password must also meet 3 or more of the following criteria: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and/or a special character.

The only applicable special characters are:

1. !
2. @
3. #
4. $
5. *
6. _ (underscore)
7. +

An example of an appropriate password would be: emerald$city3. Passwords to be avoided are those based on dictionary words, reversal of words, user initials, or username. The system will remember up to 24 old passwords, so it also can not be one that has been used previously. Passwords expire every 4 months for security purposes.

The new password rules also apply to VMS (K95). However, it is important to note that in VMS (K95), the only special characters that are valid are $ and _ (underscore).

The only passwords that will not be affected by the changes will be your eCompanion and CatPAWS PIN.