DLS Password Requirements

What are the DLS password requirements?

All new passwords must meet the following requirements:

• The minimum password length is 8 characters
• The password must start with a letter (either upper or lower case)
• The password must not reuse any previous DLS password
• The password must meet the following complexity requirements:
• Not contain the user's account name or parts of the user's full name that exceed 2 consecutive characters
• Contain characters from three of the following four categories:
• English uppercase characters (A through Z)
• English lowercase characters (a through z)
• Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
• Non-alphanumerical characters (for example, !, $, #, %)

For your convenience, we are providing you with a few sample passwords that would meet the password requirements. Please do not use any of the samples below as your password!

• Dlsp@ssword
• Welcome2
• n3wPassword
• sTr0NgP@$$w0rd!

Why do I need to change my password?

Changing a password regularly offers protection to an account that other types of security may not offer. Computer hacking software and malware have become increasingly sophisticated, and a new password is the easiest way to sidestep these and other dangers. Email accounts, network drives, databases and other network resources contain a large amount of confidential or private information. Having a strong, reliable password that gets modified periodically protects the security of your data and strengthens the overall security of the DLS network.

How often will the password expire?

Your DLS password will expire every 12 months after the initial password change.

What happens if my DLS password is not changed within the allowed window of time?

It is imperative that you change your password before your password expiration date. Otherwise, you may lose access to all DLS resources that use your account to authenticate. This includes but it's not limited to the following:

• Access to log on to your DLS computer
• Access to DLS Email (Including email access on Smartphones)
• Access to Network Drives and Printers
• Access to the Wireless Network
• Access to the DLS VPN
• Access to Communicator and Terminal Services
• Access to websites, and any other resources that use your DLS account for authentication purposes