Creating Passwords


When you get your account(s), you will be given a computer-generated password. This password ensures your privacy against someone else accessing your account and the Lewis & Clark system. In order to ensure system security, you should change this password as soon as possible after picking up your new account, and periodically thereafter.

Here are a few guidelines for creating and using your password(s):

  • Your password must be at least six characters long
  • Your password cannot be a common word
  • It is a good idea to include capital letters, numbers and/or punctuation within your password. An example of this would be Ilove2work! (please do NOT use this as your password!!)
  • Do not share your password or account with anyone. This is a violation of the Responsible Use of Technology Resources Policy.
  • Change your password at least every six months. Colleague/Benefactor account users will find that the system requires you to change your password at regular intervals.
  • Choose passwords that you will remember!!

If your UNIX password is "crackable" (that is, if widely-available software can guess your password), you will be notified by IT via e-mail. If this occurs, please change your password as quickly as possible. If you do not change your password in a timely manner, IT reserves the right to change it for you. Having a crackable password not only puts your account at risk but seriously endangers the security of our network. If you find that your password no longer works and you have previously received notice about having a crackable password, it is likely that IT has changed it in order to maintain system security. You must visit the IT Help Desk (with photo id) to retrieve your new password.
Created by: consult@lclark.edu
Updated: 20 January 2004