IT Security

Any individual who can determine your password has the ability to log into your computer account and:

• read and potentially alter any piece of computer-based information to which you have access,
• easily assume your identity while communicating via e-mail, chat, etc., and
• potentially launch attacks upon other systems both on and off campus.

While some organizations needing a high degree of security use other methods to confirm a person’s identity, such as “smart” ID cards, fingerprints, handprints, retina, facial image or voice, these systems are expensive and are often impractical. Thus, passwords continue to be the most commonly used approach.