Changing Password Requirements

Published: 

UNSW has strengthened password requirements to align with recognised best practice and better protect our data and systems.

When you change your existing password before its expiry, you will now be required to create a longer password, also known as a passphrase. It includes a string of letters, numbers and special characters that are unpredictable and unique, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to crack.

In the next few months, you will be prompted via email to change your existing password to align with the new requirements. You can either change it now, or wait for the email prompt.

New password conditions

  • Contains min. 14 characters
  • Contains characters from at least 3 of the following 4 categories:

    • Uppercase letters, e.g.,  A B C  …​

    • Lowercase letters, e.g.,  a b c  …​

    • Numbers, e.g.,  0 1 2 3  …​

    • Special characters, e.g.,  ! @ # $ % & * ( )  …

  • Cannot include 3 or more consecutive characters from your full name or entire account name

  • Cannot be any of your last 10 passwords used or highly similar.

How to change your password

  1. Go to UNSW Identity Manager to change your password (picture)
  2. Enter using your existing login details (picture)
  3. Type in your new password in accordance with the new requirements and click 'Submit' (picture)
  4. Allow 10 minutes for your new password to take effect and be prepared to re-authenticate across various UNSW systems and devices.

Note: If your password has already expired, you will need to select 'Forgot your password' to re-activate your access to UNSW systems and devices. Ensure that your personal email address OR mobile number is registered on myUNSW to reset your password.

UNSW Identity Manager

UNSW IT Support

Refer to the FAQ section on the UNSW Identity Manager or contact UNSW IT Service Centre if you have technical problems.

Phone: 02 9385 1333
Web: Open a service ticket
In-person: See locations across UNSW campuses 

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