Via the Web

http://my.umbc.edu/ has a web interface for you to change the password on your GL account.

1. Logon to http://my.umbc.edu/.
2. Click on the "Academics" tab
3. Then follow the link entitled "Change my Password"
4. Then follow the on screen instructions for changing your password (there are several steps required).

Via the UNIX Command Prompt

However, most UNIX environments do not provide a web based interface to change your password. In fact the standard way to change your password on most all UNIX systems is through a text based shell.

To change your password this way, you will need to have shell or terminal access to one of the UNIX machines on the GL network. This can be in the form of a shell on one of the dual-boot lab machines, or by way of remote SSH access.

Once you have your shell open, all you need to do is the following...

1. type passwd at the command prompt
2. Enter you old password
3. Enter your new password
4. Enter your new password (again)

Take note that when you type your password, it will not be echoed to the screen, not even astricies (*).

linux1-(11:23am): passwd
passwd: Changing password for dhood2@UMBC.EDU.
Old password:
New password:
New password (again):
Kerberos password changed.
linux1-(11:24am): 

Windows?

For those of you that are familiar with Windows 2000, you may be inclined to change your password by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete and choosing the "Change Password" option.

But it turns out that this has been disabled here in the GL labs at UMBC. You must use one of the 2 aforementioned methods of changing your password.

If Someone Knows Your Password

Your GL password is just that - yours and only yours. You should not share it with anyone.

If you think someone knows your password. Here is what you should do...

1. Change your password immediately
2. Report this incident to helpdesk@umbc.edu. OIT keeps a log of all activities in all Unix accounts. Any unauthorized access can be tracked given ample research time.

Choosing a Password

OIT has suggested the following guidelines for choosing a good password...

Passwords should contain at least:

• 7-14 characters
• 2 numbers or symbols in the first 8 characters
• 5 different characters (letters, numbers, symbols)

Passwords should not contain:

• The at sign ( @ ), the number sign ( # ), or the ampersand ( & )
• Doubled numbers or symbols (e.g., 99 or %% )
• Any words or names spelled forwards, backwards, or in a foreign language
• A Social Security number in the first nine characters of the password
• Words constructed with similar-looking number substitutions (e.g., 0 for O ; $ for S ; 1 for i ), for example: capta1nk1rk, mr5p0ck

Note: Passwords are case sensitive. The lowercase c is a different letter from the uppercase C . Make sure that the Caps Lock key is not on, unless you intend to enter all uppercase letters.