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MCC Daily Tribune

New Password Length Requirement

Beginning on June 3, a minimum length of 14 characters will be required when network passwords are reset.

The current 8-character password length is no longer secure; it takes a maximum of 5 minutes to crack. This change brings MCC's password standard into compliance with the current SUNY standard. More importantly, it protects MCC by preventing information security incidents and user victimization.

You are strongly encouraged to update your password prior to its expiration. This will give you time to think of a password that you can remember and type easily. It is always better to choose the timing of your password update to avoid having it expire at a time that might be inconvenient and cause you unnecessary stress by having to think of a new one on the spot.

Create a memorable but secure passphrase using the following guidelines:

  • Create a 14+ character passphrase of 3 or 4 unrelated words, separated by blank spaces, with capitalization and a number and/or special character. 
  • Passphrases are much easier to remember than the current "complex" 8-character password, and yet extraordinarily difficult to crack.  Have some fun and be creative!

Here are some examples: Orange Bank$ Cat8;  Magenta Soap+ Tasty1;  Oliver Ate Bacon&Eggs2;  U Scoundrel! Alas4 LadyG;  YU Ask? Kumquat6;  No Eclipse Or Aurora4Me!

Take a few minutes to update your password today!

To update your password anytime, click on the Technology tile in the portal, and then click on the Change/Reset Password tile.  This will bring you to the Network Account Services page, where you can sign in and change your password.

Once 180 days go by and everyone's password has changed to the new standard length, passwords will be set to expire annually instead of twice a year.

Eileen Wirley
Technology Services - AVP Office
05/16/2024