At ITforUM press time, the Office of Information Technology was putting the finishing touches on a new password change system that represents advancements in the areas of password and identity management. The new system being finalized is intended to improve the overall individual electronic security of those of us on campus by further eliminating the use of Social Security Numbers in the university’s information technology infrastructure.

The basic function of this new system is essentially the same as the current mechanisms for doing password changes using one’s existing Directory ID and password. A sneak preview of the new features to be offered includes self-help for forgotten passwords, simplification of the password change Web page, and improved password quality checks. We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments.