Your IT account password is a valuable commodity, as it is a ticket to many services our campus has to offer, including:

• Authentication for off-campus users accessing Penfield Library materials (EZ-Proxy)
• IT Account Tools
• IT email accounts
• IT public computer labs
• Parking Office parking sticker reservations
• Skillsoft courses

Therefore, it is important to choose a good password and keep it safe!

Note: Your IT account is different from your MyOswego account, which requires a separate username/password combination. Problems with MyOswego account passwords should be directed to the Registrar's office.

Choosing a good password
A good password is one that is easy to remember... but not easy enough for someone else to guess. Avoid using passwords based on personal information or common words. A smart strategy is to modify a word or short phrase with special characters or numbers. For example, intead of hotdogs, use h0td0g$.

Keeping passwords safe
Here are some general strategies for keeping your password private and out of the reach of hackers:

• Do not write your password down; commit it to memory. If a hacker gains physical access to your computer, the first thing they will do is search the immediate area for a written-down password. If you can memorize your password, you deny hackers an easy route to your personal information.
  
• Do not share your password with anyone. Your password is not unlike the key to your house. You would not lend your house keys to a casual acquaintance; similarly you should not divulge your password. This includes friends, family members, and even "significant others"... there is always a possibility that these relationships could go sour, with unexpected consequences.