As the complexity of computing in the 21st century increases, the need for advanced security measures are on everyone's mind. But not all security measures require an advanced degree in network security to implement. An often over-looked step that everyone can take to drastically reduce their risk of identity theft, virus infection, and stolen data is the use of strong passwords.

• Simplified Sign-on explains the UIT initiative to reduce the passwords needed to access Tufts services by combining the Enterprise Directory (Trumpeter) and Active Directory (Exchange/LAN) services authentication with one simplified password called the Tufts Password.
  

• Creating Strong Passwords contains tips and tricks, as well as good practices, to make the process as painless as possible. And because a breach in one person's computer puts every other computer on our network at risk, the Tufts Complex Password Standards go a long way to keep all of our data secure. They'll also help you understand the password choices and text patterns that are most commonly hacked.

The most complex, secure password, however, won't work well forever. In keeping with the theme of secure passwords, password standards require that the Tufts Password be changed every 180 days.

• Changing Your Tufts LAN/Exchange Password explains the process and offers online password changing alternatives for Mac, Tufts VPN, and Windows users. You'll also find links to information for changing your Trumpeter Tools (Thunderbird/Emerald/Research Cluster) password.
  

For other ideas and help with secure computing practices, see the Safe Computing section of this site.