GatorLink Password Management Policy
Q: What is the GatorLink Password
Management policy?
Q: Why is a new policy
necessary?
Q: What is my password policy
level?
Q. Will I need to change my
GatorLink password more often?
Q. What do you mean by a "strong"
password?
Q. I just became a P4 or P5 but
already meet the new password requirements. Why did you expire
my password?
Q. Will I still receive an email
reminder that my password is about to expire?
Q. How do I change my password after
May 5?
Q. What if I forget my GatorLink
password?
Q. How can I log on to the portal to
use my password hint if I don't remember my password?
Q. Can I still call the Help Desk if
I forget my password?
Q. When I store a hint question I
have made, can everyone see my question?
Q. Where can I go for help?
What is the GatorLink Password
Management policy?
The policy, effective May 5, 2004, has several key elements:
- Five levels of password policy (P1- P5)
- The policy level you have is determined by your assigned user security role(s)
- A strong password is required
- The password is managed through the myUFL portal
- For most people, a self-service reset is allowed if you forget your password and have stored a forgotten-password hint.
The policy document is available on-line at http://www.it.ufl.edu/policies/passwords.html
Why is a new policy necessary?
The University of Florida is committed to a secure information
technology environment in support of its missions. With the
implementation of new integrated, real-time computer systems and
single sign-on accessibility via the myUFL portal, the need for a
strong password policy is greater than ever. Chief among them are:
- The work you access with your GatorLink username and password is important, often mission-critical, and involves sensitive or private data about students, faculty, and staff. Protecting your password helps ensure this work is secured.
- The number of computer attacks (hacking) and the proliferation of computer viruses are a constant threat. Protecting your GatorLink account from unauthorized access helps keep UF computers and computer networks safe.
What is my password policy level?
On May 5, you can find out your assigned policy level by logging
on to myUFL and navigate to My Account > Change My Password. Your
policy level and the appropriate requirements for password
creation and reset will appear.
Why do I need to change my
GatorLink password more often?
There are five levels (P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5) of password policy.
The higher the number, the higher your access to the myUFL systems
and the more often you will be required to change your password.
Most UF faculty and staff will be a P2 or P3 and will need to
change their password once or twice a year, respectively. A P4 or
P5 will need to change their password every 90 days.
What do you mean by a "strong"
password?
A strong password is one that is difficult to obtain, guess, or
determine. It is at least eight characters long and contains a
combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and
punctuation. Your GatorLink password must contain at least three
of those four elements and it cannot contain any words found in a
dictionary. See Tips for Creating a
Strong Password to help you get started.
I just became a P4 or P5 but
already meet the new password requirements. Why did you expire my
password?
The University automatically expires a password when the user's
password policy increases to a P4 or P5.
Will I receive an email reminder
that my password is about to expire?
Yes. You will receive an email fourteen (14) days prior to its
expiring and every day after that until your change your password.
The email reminder will be sent to your UF Business Email. Please
make sure your UF Business Email is correct by navigating to My
Account > Modify My UF Business Email in the myUFL portal. Your UF
Business Email should be one that you check daily or forwarded to
one that is checked regularly.
How do I change my password?
Log on to myUFL portal and navigate to My Account > Change My
Password and follow the directions, it's simple!
What if I forget my GatorLink
password?
Most people can store a forgotten-password hint in myUFL. Simply
click on "My Account" in the myUFL Menu and then click on "Store
My Password Hint." You also may store a question and response as
a password hint. If you forget your password, you can use the hint
to reset your password in the myUFL portal.
Those with a P4 or P5 password policy level will need to reset their password in person with picture ID at CSE 520 if they forget their password.
If you are having difficulties, please contact the UF Help Desk at 392-HELP.
How can I log on to the portal to
use my password hint if I don't remember my password?
At the myUFL portal sign on box, click on the "Forget Your
Password?" link.
Can I still call the Help Desk if
I forget my password?
Password policy level P1-P3 can call the Help Desk for password
assistance. If you are a P4 or P5, you will need to go to the Help
Desk in person with identification, to have your password reset.
When I store a hint question I
have made, can everyone see my question?
No, it will be in your drop-down box but only you can see it.
Where can I go for help?
Contact the UF Help Desk at 392-HELP or helpdesk@ufl.edu.
