The timeframe for changing passwords on K-State eIDs started Aug. 1 and runs through Wednesday, Sept. 9, the deadline for changing passwords for the fall semester. The standard rules apply, with one exception — now passwords can be up to 30 characters long (minimum is still seven characters). This change is the result of two years of planning, programming, and coordination across K-State’s central computing systems.
This change is due, in part, to feedback from K-Staters that it was frustrating to limit passwords to 7-8 characters. Longer passwords can be more complex and are more secure since, as a general rule, the longer the password, the more difficult it is to crack. Another benefit is that K-Staters can create passwords based on information segments that are easier to remember, such as word phrases and number sequences.
Within the new 7-30 character limit, all other K-State password criteria remain the same.
- Must contain characters from 3 of the 4 following categories:
- Uppercase letters
- Lowercase letters
- Numbers
- Special characters (for example: !, @, #, $, %, ^, &, *, etc.)
- Must contain at least 5 different characters
- Cannot be based on a computing ID or real name
- Cannot contain an identifiable word, phrase, acronym, or K-State-related name
- Cannot be one of the 4 million+ words known and used by hacker programs to break into accounts
This mandatory password change each fall and spring applies to both individual eIDs and group eIDs. It prevents long-term use of the same password (a known risk factor) and is the reason passwords cannot be reused in a two-year period.
- To change your password: Sign in on the eid.k-state.edu website, click Change your eID password, and follow the steps.
- Forgot your password? Call the IT Help Desk, 785-532-7722, and verify your identity. Staff can set a temporary password for you so you can sign in.
- For more about passwords, including tips on choosing a good one, read the Password FAQs.
An e-mail reminder is typically sent to eIDs with unchanged passwords a week or two prior to the September deadline.
