In the Summer 2013 issue of MURAnews, we told you about the new rules for MacID* passwords instituted by University Technology Services (UTS). These rules aim to raise MacID passwords to a more secure standard.  

According to the new standard, MacID passwords will now expire after 12 months from the last password change. This means that you will need to choose and enter a new password every year. You likely received a notice from UTS recently saying that passwords upgraded during last springʼs campaign will expire soon and need to be changed as soon as possible. You will be unable to use your MacID if you do not change your password.  

Any new password needs to fit the new standard instituted in February 2013.  

The UTS Account Management page has information about how to change your password, password requirements, etc. UTS recommends clearing all saved instances of a MacID password before changing it. Saved passwords are often found in, for example, email programs on computers and Wi-Fi logins on smartphones.

Please contact the UTS Service Desk if you have questions or encounter difficulties.

* A MacID provides authentication to applications such as McMaster email accounts, the campus Wi-Fi network and the McMaster Virtual Private Network (VPN). Your MAC ID is not your 7-digit employee number. It is an identifier that usually includes part or your entire surname. For retirees using a McMaster email account, itʼs the portion of your email address preceding "@mcmaster.ca", e.g. jpsmith@mcmaster.ca.