According to Techtarget.com, A passphrase is a sentence-like string of words used for authentication that is longer than a traditional password, easy to remember and difficult to crack. Typical passwords range from 8-16 characters on average while passphrases can reach up to 100 characters in length.
Gordon passphrases must be at least 16 characters in length. Below is an excerpt from useapassphrase.com that describes why a passphrase is preferred over a string of random letters.
"There are dozens of random password generators out there that will happily put together a bunch of random characters for you to use as a password. These random passwords are secure, but they're a huge pain to actually remember.
Random passphrases provide the best combination of memorability and security.
By way of example, here are two passwords with similar crackability:
Password | Time to crack |
---|---|
p%9y#k&yFm? |
Approximately 90,182,663 centuries |
logic finite eager ratio |
Approximately 189,658,722 centuries |
Which would you rather remember?"
How do I pick a secure passphrase?
What is an example of an insecure (bad) passphrase?
Can I reuse previous passphrases?
No, you need to pick a unique passphrase to use at Gordon. Our system will remember the past 7 passphrases and will not let you reuse them.
If you remember your current passphrase and need to change it:
a. Log in - using your Gordon email/passphrase
b. AFTER you log in to the page, you will be asked to enter your current passphrase, then enter a new passphrase and confirm it.
c. Proceed to change your Gordon passphrase as prompted
If you have forgotten your passphrase:
a. Browse to mail.gordon.edu and select the link "Can't access your account" below the email address field
b. The website will guide you through recovery options in order to reset your passphrase.
If you have not yet set up your account recovery options, you'll be prompted to do so. More information can be found here.
c. Follow the prompts to change your passphrase
2. To avoid account lockout on other devices, log in with your newly created passphrase on any smartphones, tablets, and applications that store your old passphrase.
Modify GordonNET wireless on your device
3. Contact the Center for Technology Services Helpdesk for further assistance at 978.867.4500 or [email protected].
If your passphrase needs to be updated:
I'm off campus: You will not be able to use the Gordon VPN due to the forgotten passphrase. You can follow the steps under "Current Students" above, but when you return to campus, please contact the CTS Helpdesk for assistance getting your Gordon-issued computer properly synced again.
I'm on campus: You will not be able to use Gordon Wireless due to the forgotten passphrase. Plug your computer into ethernet and reboot your computer and you should be prompted to change your passphrase on next login.
If your passphrase has not yet expired:
Note: If you are off-campus, you will need to connect to Gordon's VPN prior to following these steps.
Try using Nomad:
NoMAD is a utility for your Mac that will help you better manage your Gordon network passphrase. If NoMAD is installed on your Mac, you'll see the application running in the menu bar. It looks like a black triangle with a green checkmark.
With NoMAD, your computer log in and network passphrase will automatically sync when your Gordon passphrase changes – even if you're wireless. No more Ethernet required!
Note: If you are off-campus, you will need to connect to Gordon's VPN prior to following these steps.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and click "Change a password."
Enter your old passphrase, then create and confirm a new passphrase in the fields provided.
You will receive a confirmation message showing that the attempt has been successful or that another attempt needs to be made.
Test the change by visiting mail.gordon.edu and log in with your full email address and newly created passphrase.
Remember, on your smartphone (and other mobile devices), you must "forget" the GordonNET connection and reconnect with your new passphrase (see "Mobile Device Wireless Passphrase Update" below).
To avoid account lockout on other devices, log in with your newly created passphrase on any smartphones, tablets, and applications that store your old passphrase.
Modify GordonNET wireless on your device
Contact the Center for Technology Services Helpdesk for further assistance at 978.867.4500 or [email protected].