Managing Passwords

Scenario: Managing Passwords

You have a NetID and password, but you also have passwords for NetFiles, Banner, Illinois Compass, and other programs. You don’t want to write them down on a sticky note because that’s not safe, but it’s difficult for you to remember all the IDs and passwords.

What you can do

Writing down your passwords and leaving them near your computer is like leaving your keys on a park bench. Someone will eventually take them, and then they’ll have access to everything you own. If you can’t remember all your passwords, one solution is a program called PasswordVault. This program stores and encrypts all your passwords for you, and you have to remember only one main password. PasswordVault is free to students, faculty, and staff and is available at the Software WebStore.

For more information on creating effective passwords, protecting your passwords, or changing your passwords for CITES services, see the CITES Guide to Passwords.