passwd rules

General Rules and Guidelines : Password

We are given a personal user identifier to authorise your use of CERFACS computer systems. This identifier is for use only by yourself, and you are required to set a secret password to prevent other persons from using it.

To change your password type yppasswd in a terminal window. Note that upper and lower case characters are not equivalent in passwords. In order to be as secure as possible your password should:

Be at least 8 characters in length
Contain at least two alphabetic characters
Contain at least one numeric or special character. Special characters available are:

          ~ ` ! $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - + = { } [ ] | : ; ' " > < , . ? /

Not contain the @, # and \ symbols
NOT be a common word or name from any language or variations on your name, initials or userid.
Not use obvious substitutions of letters in dictionary words (eg passw0rd, s!mple, s1mple, sin9le) since many readily available password cracking programs try these as well as the root word.

Use something like 74!7+Da. Using the initial letters of a phrase (with added punctuation) can be a good way to create passwords which are safe but memorable to you.

If you forget your password ask the Computer Support Group to reset it - you will be asked for proof of identity.