UMIACS Account

Types of Accounts

When your UMIACS account is first created there are two password that are initially set.

Windows

This password authenticates against our Windows domain and is set when you first create your UMIACS account.

It control access for the following resources:

• Windows computers
• exchange e-mail
• VPN Authentication

Kerberos

This password authenticates against our Kerberos Server and is set when you first create your UMIACS account.

It controls access for the following resources:

• UNIX/Linux computers
• IMAP e-mail
• AR-controlled resources (wikis, repositories, webapps)

Jira

By default Jira authenticates against the kerberos server, however it is possible to set Jira to it's own separate password. If you change your password through the Jira web interface it will create a new, separate password, and no longer authenticate against the kerberos server. Changing your Jira password DOES NOT change any other UMIACS password.

Changing your password

There are currently two ways to change your UMIACS passwords:

• Via the web interface tool on the UMIACS Intranet at:

https://intranet.umiacs.umd.edu/cgi-bin/changepass

• Stop by the UMIACS Helpdesk, in room 3142 AVW

If you plan on stopping by the UMIACS Helpdesk, please make sure to bring photo ID

Password Requirements

1. Must be atleast 8 characters in length
2. Must have alteast 3 of the following character classes: lower-case letters, upper-case letters, numbers, punctuation, special characters
3. Cannot be the same as any of your previous 5 passwords
4. Cannot contain a string that is part of your username

Off-site or out-of-state users

UMIACS Staff requires positive identification before we'll honor a request to change a password. In the event that you are unable to change your password via the methods above, send an email to staff@umiacs.umd.edu detailing your situation. Typically, we'll ask you to get in touch with your PI/advisor, as they should be able to visually and aurally identify you. They will work with staff to reset your password on your behalf, and then communicate it to you in a secure manner.

Account Security and Communications from Staff

Keeping your account secure is a high priority for UMIACS Staff, and we need your help. In today's digital environment, it is often challenging to distinguish phishing attempts and scams from legitimate email. Please note that:

1. UMIACS Staff will never ask you for your password and you should never share your username and password with anyone.
2. You should NEVER transmit ANY password via email or other insecure medium.
3. If you are ever uncertain about the legitimacy of an email from staff, please do not hesitate to contact the HelpDesk for verification.

In the event of a compromised account or some other situation where staff might need to contact you via email and instruct you to change your password, the request will not deviate from the instructions provided above -- namely, we will ask you to change your password via the UMIACS Intranet, in person, or via a trusted and authoritative proxy (your PI.)