Why do I have to change my password?

Much of what you do requires access to sensitive student information, and it is very important for us to keep our students’ data safe from prying eyes. The school district’s policy has been to not require password changes, and many older, short passwords are still active. The district is streamlining many system logins so you will only need one password for computer login, email, PowerSchool, Rubicon and your teacher webpage. Some good news: The district will maintain its policy of not changing passwords on a cyclical basis. Therefore, we need a strong password.

It’s all about the number of characters and the number of possible characters from which to choose.

At least 12 characters (don’t panic) which must have any 3 of the following points:

• A lowercase letter
• An uppercase letter
• A number
• A special character (!@#$%^&*()_+:”?><[{ ]} )

“Twelve characters?!?!? That’s insane! I’ll never be able to remember anything that long - and I don’t know any 12 letter words!” It’s easier than it sounds….

A strong, secure passphrase is:

• Easy for you to remember, hard for others to guess
• Not something you discuss in public (especially in class)

Insecure passwords are:

• Sequential numbers or letters
• Repetitive letter or number sequences (catcatcatcat)
• Your pets’ names - or your children’s names.
• Written and taped anyplace

Your login gives you access to not only your information (email) but to student information (PowerSchool, IEP Direct) as well. Protect yourself and your students.

• Random words & numbers that mean something to you (ie: your mental checklist before you leave the house: Phonelunch&keys)
• A mantra (ie: Maketodayagreatday! Or Maketodayagr8day!)
• Consider numbers/symbols for letters (o=0, a=@, etc) or a number for a word (ie: to=2) in a phrase: B@s1cPa55w0rd=sw@ps
• A random series of words/numbers that you can visualize: FioryFloatilla&Fabric
• Song lyrics which are either sooooo obscure (It’snoteasybeinggreen) or favorite lyrics that you can pick the first letter from each word (ie: tsds,Mdwlavsdatp)

	Short phrases are a start, but just a few common words can be found by brute force.
	Reconnect with your inner self. How about “ItookGymnasticsfor5years” or “Lovethesnow-hatetheIce!”
	This is Polish for “Where is the car?” If you have a second language, it can be a great tool to make a new passphrase.
	It looks like gibberish but makes perfect sense to the creator of this passphrase.

There are countless other ways to create a password that is memorable for you but difficult to be guessed. Be creative. Have fun. Be safe with yours and your students’ information.

If you have issues that are not covered by the documentation please visit the Helpdesk.