Password definition

University Moves to Restrict Common Words for Passwords

Password iconIn an effort to strengthen password security, starting December 19, 2022, any new password may not contain all or part of the user’s account name, common passwords, or words related to an SMU campaign that are vulnerable to password-guessing attacks.

While this change should not inconvenience much of the SMU population, this change will help to strengthen our defense from automated password-guessing tool attacks. Other restrictions will continue to be in place, such as passwords must be a minimum of 12 characters in length and cannot be a password used previously. For a complete list of SMU Password Requirements and helpful tips for your password, please review the current password requirements document (Box login required).

In addition to this change, users will now be able to use passphrases for their passwords. Passphrases of 30 characters or more in length will be allowed to bypass the new custom dictionary rules.

If you have any problems with your password, please don’t hesitate to contact the IT Help Desk by phone at 214-768-HELP for help.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Published by

Ian Aberle

Ian Aberle is an Adobe Creative Educator and the Senior IT Communications Specialist & Trainer for the Office of Information Technology (OIT). For over 25 years, he has helped the SMU community use technology and implement digital and web media through multiple roles with the Digital Commons, SMU STAR Program, and now OIT. Ian enjoys photography and road trips with his family in his free time.