From one of the many email listservs on campus:
Please be advised that the deadline for all UGA students, faculty, and staff to change their MyID password to a strong password is January 31, 2007. In accordance with University policy, all MyID passwords must be changed to comply with a set of security standards that make passwords difficult to guess or compromise, thus protecting you against unauthorized access to your email and other accounts.
The MyID is used to access UGAMail, WebCT, MyUGA, Parking Services, and a number of online departmental services.
Anyone who has not changed his or her password by February 1, 2007, will not be able to access services that require the MyID.
Password Change Web Site--Passwords can be changed at the MyID Web site:
http://myid.uga.edu
Select the “Click here to change your password” link to begin. In general, all passwords must be at least 8 characters in length, contain 1 or more special characters (< >, . / ? ' " ; : ] [ } { | + = - _ ) ( * ^ % $ # @ ! ` & ~), and cannot be a dictionary word.
Secret Question/Answer Pairs--Along with stronger passwords, MyID users are required to set answers to secret questions. The first time you change your password, you will be asked to set answers to several secret questions. The secret question/answer pairs are a significant customer service enhancement, as they will allow you to reset a forgotten password on your own.
These secret question/answer pairs will also be used to provide additional verification of a user's identity for security-sensitive online applications. The University continues to build more Web-enabled applications that rely upon the MyID for access, and the secret question/answer pairs will provide a greater level of security for protecting private information.
Password Change Requirement--As an added security measure, you will be required to change your password every six months. You will be reminded via UGAMail when it is time to change your password.
Questions and Comments--Please direct your questions and comments to the EITS Help Desk, helpdesk@uga.edu / 706-542-3106.
