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Passwords and Authentication

Passwords

How do I create a strong password for university systems?

Creating a strong password is essential to protect university systems, which authenticate through Active Directory (AD). Follow these guidelines:

  • Length: Use at least 12-16 characters to increase complexity.

  • Diversity: Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., T1g3r$R0ar2025!).

  • Avoid predictable patterns: Do not use personal information like names, birthdates, or common words such as “Password123.”

  • Uniqueness: Do not use the same password for personal accounts and your university account to prevent a breach in one from compromising the other.

  • Consider passphrases: Use a memorable sentence and take the first character of each word, mixing in numbers and symbols. For example, the sentence “It is important to go for the best results at ALL times!” could become the password Iii2g4tbraAt!.

What should I do if I forget my university account password?

  • If you forget your university account password, follow these steps:

    • Online Reset: Visit https://selfservice.ufs.ac.za to reset your password online.

    • Contact Support: If you cannot connect to the above system, phone the Servicedesk on x2000 for assistance.

Is it safe to reuse passwords across university and personal accounts?

Reusing passwords across university and personal accounts is not safe. If a hacker compromises your password on a personal account, they could potentially access your university account as well, putting sensitive data at risk. Additionally, university systems enforce a policy where you will be required to use a password that has not been used before, ensuring greater security with each password change.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA), and how do I use it?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your university account by requiring more than just a password to log in. It combines something you know (your password) with something you have (like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app, such as Duo). This makes it significantly harder for attackers to gain access, even if they steal your password. For university staff, MFA is a critical tool to protect sensitive systems and data.

How to use MFA: