MyUWSAccount Password Expiry FAQ

Password Expiry – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Infrequently asked questions?

This FAQ doesn’t attempt to answer all questions MyUWSAccount holders will have in relation to password expiry at UWS. If your questions aren’t answered here, please contact the IT Service Desk.

MyUWSAccount passwords now expire

The password you use to access many UWS IT systems and services now expires at regular intervals. Initially, passwords will expire every 90 days, but this interval may change.

Why are MyUWSAccount passwords expiring?

The security of the University's network, IT systems and the data transmitted or stored within is paramount, especially if the data contains personal information related to students or staff.

The University has introduced password expiry as part of ongoing enhancements to data security.

How do I change my password?

Your MyUWSAccount password can be changed at any time, from anywhere with web access. Self-managing renewal of your password is a good practice, and avoids the reminder process.

To change your password:

  • Visit MyUWSAccount Password Management,
  • enter your user ID, and press continue. The Manage MyUWSAccount page will open.
  • Follow the link to Change your MyUWSAccount Password, and follow the instructions.

In order to prevent any problems from the system “remembering” the old password, always logout from your computer after changing your password. Log in using your new password. If you are changing your password while off campus, logout from all MyUWSAccount linked UWS systems before logging back in with your new password.

If you use a UWS laptop, we recommend physically connecting your laptop to the network (via network cable) when making password changes. Physical connection allows automatic synchronisation of your laptop and MyUWSAccount passwords.

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Can I re-use my old MyUWSAccount password?

No, the system prevents you from “changing” your password to your existing password. Additional rules ensure that your new password is substantially different from the old one.

What happens if I don’t change my MyUWSAccount password?

You will continue to have access until your password expires. Once the expiry date is reached, your MyUWSAccount will be deactivated and you will be unable to login until your MyUWSAccount is reactivated and the password is reset. This process may require Service Desk intervention. Your best option is to change your password before it expires.

How will I know when I have to change my MyUWSAccount password?

You will be emailed at the UWS email address linked to your MyUWSAccount, 30, 15 and 5 days prior to password expiry.

These are legitimate University emails which, unlike recent hoax emails, will redirect you to a page on the official UWS website. For additional protection, we recommend visiting the About MyUWSAccount link from the Quicklinks on the main UWS website, rather than clicking any links in the email notification.

In addition, once your password reaches 14 days from expiry, you will receive daily pop-up reminders whenever you login to a Windows based UWS standard operating environment desktop or laptop.

I get too many pop-up reminders - can you reduce the frequency?

No. The pop-up reminder frequency is not customisable. If you want to stop the reminders, change your password.

What if I don’t have a UWS email account?

We are unable to send you the email notifications.

You can login to MyUWSAccount Password Management at any time to check your account status. The MyUWSAccount status link provides information including the number of days until your password expires. Go back to the Manage MyUWSAccount page to change your password, if required. This service is available to all MyUWSAccount holders.

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What if I use Windows Vista?

Vista users will receive the same notifications and emails as Windows XP users. However, testing has revealed that if you allow your password to expire, the next time you log into the same machine your login details will be denied and no prompt for change of password will appear. The best solution is to change your password before it expires. However, if it has expired, click on switch user and re-enter your existing login details. You will then be prompted to change your password. This problem should not occur if you attempt to log into a different computer. Vista users are able to login to  MyUWSAccount Password Management at any time to check their account status.

What if I use a Mac?

Mac users will receive the email notifications, but not the desktop notifications. Desktop notifications will only appear when you are using Windows on the Mac AND the Windows side is joined to the UWS domain. Mac users are able to login to MyUWSAccount Password Management at any time to check their account status.

What if I use a laptop?

You should change your password while your laptop is hardwired to the UWS network. Log off after making the change.

I’m using a private laptop to connect wirelessly via AirUWS. Do I have to do anything?

You’ll need to change your MyUWSAccount in order to access UWS systems, including AirUWS, but you don’t need to change your laptop password unless you want to.

I’ve changed my MyUWSAccount password, but now I can’t access my systems

Testing has shown that this may occur if you didn’t logout of your computer after making the change. Occasionally there can be a delay of up to 15 minutes after activating your MyUWSAccount or changing your password before MyUWSAccount linked systems recognise your new password. Most systems will accept your new password after logging out and logging in with the new password.

You may also be using systems that are not linked to MyUWSAccount. In this case, you will continue to use the existing password for those systems until you change your password within each system.

My colleague and I share passwords for some important tasks. What impact will this have?

Sharing of passwords, even for noble reasons, is not permitted, and places you in breach of the UWS IT Acceptable use of Resources Policy. Your login ID and password are the keys to your online identity, and must never be disclosed to others. Once someone else knows your password, they can impersonate you online, and will have full access to all the systems you do. If they act maliciously or illegally online, their actions will be identified as your actions.

For the same reasons, you should never leave your logged in computer unattended. Always lock your computer when leaving it unattended.

If you or your colleague don’t have sufficient access to do your jobs, approach your supervisor to arrange authorised access to the systems required.

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Will I have to change my MyUWSAccount password within 90 days from the last change, or simply before a set date?

Don’t get too hung up on the number of days, 90 days is the initial period and could well change in the future. The expiry period is not tied to a fixed date – it will commence when you change you password. You can change you password at any time before it expires.

What are the password rules?

MyUWSAccount passwords must meet certain rules to be accepted. The rules ensure that your password is complex enough to improve security and to prevent others from guessing the password. These rules can be found on  MyUWSAccount Password Management. It's good practice to ensure all your passwords meet or exceed the rules provided.

What about PDAs, Blackberrys, iPhones, smart phones and other devices?

Internal testing has shown that there is no impact on Blackberrys. iPhone users will need to change their email password within the iPhone, as per instructions ITS provided with the iPhone.

In order to continue to synchronise with UWS, other devices will ask you to change your password if required. You may need to open your device’s settings to make this change. Due to the range of devices available, UWS is not able to offer more detailed instructions.

What about access from home?

Once your MyUWSAccount password is changed, you’ll need to use the new password for access to any MyUWSAccount linked system from home.

MyUWSAccount passwords can be changed from anywhere you have web access. Don’t forget to logout from all MyUWSAccount linked systems before logging back in with your new password.

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I’m going on a lengthy sabbatical overseas, what should I do about MyUWSAccount password expiry?

You’ll need to change your MyUWSAccount password prior to expiry to continue to access University systems, including email, but your UWS laptop will continue to use the old login password until after it is physically reconnected to the UWS network. This means one password for the computer, and another for UWS systems. As a work around, you can manually change your laptop password to match your MyUWSAccount password using the ctrl-alt-del change password feature.

Whenever you access UWS systems, remember to check your MyUWSAccount password expiry status by visiting the About MyUWSAccount link from the Quicklinks on the main UWS web site, and, if necessary, update your password. Don’t forget to log out of all MyUWSAccount linked systems after changing your password, before using the new password to log back in.

Help! I have too many passwords. How am I going to remember new ones?

Try to choose a password you’ll remember, and don’t forget that you can always contact the Service Desk if you have problems. A popular memory trick is to think of a phrase or sentence you’ll remember, and use one or more letters from each word. Mix up the case, include numbers and/or other characters, and you’ll have a secure, easily memorised password.

Support and further information

If you require support or further information about MyUWSAccount password expiry or any assistance with your password or login, please contact the IT Service Desk. Our friendly Service Desk Operators will be more than happy to assist.

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