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Passphrase/Password Requirements


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Passphrase/Password Requirements

To log in to your Cal Poly account, our systems require you to select either a passphrase or a password.

Visit Passphrase/Password Help if you can't log in to your Cal Poly account.

While you can continue using a traditional password, we strongly encourage switching to a passphrase.

This involves combining multiple words into a long string of at least 16 characters. The extra length of a passphrase makes it harder to crack while also making it easier for you to remember.

Passphrase/Password Requirements Infographic (click image to view/download)

An infographic displaying requirements for Cal Poly passwords and passphrases. Passphrases must be between 16-40 characters, and cannot contain any previous passphrases within the last two years. Passwords must be between 12-15 characters, and cannot contain common words, character groups, names, or previous passwords. The infographic also states that passphrases and passwords expire every 400 days, and remind viewers to update them on all relevant sites.

 

What are the requirements for a Passphrase?

Character Length:

  • Minimum length:
    16 characters 

  • Maximum length:
    40 characters

CAN INCLUDE:
These special characters are allowed…

! $ % & , ( ) * + - . / ; : < = > ? [ \ ] ^ _ { | } ~ and spaces.

CAN NOT CONTAIN:
Any previous Cal Poly Portal passphrases used within the last two years are not allowed.


What are the requirements for a Password?

Character Length:

  • Minimum length:
    12 characters

    Maximum length:
    15 characters

MUST CONTAIN:

Include at least one (1) character from three (3) of the following: 

  • Uppercase letters (A-Z) 

  • Lowercase letters (a-z) 

  • Numbers (0-9) 

  • Any of the following special characters: ! $ % & , ( ) * + - . / ; : < = > ? [ \ ] ^ _ { | } ~

MUST NOT CONTAIN:

Do not use any of the following:

  • Any words of 3 + characters (including non-English words)

  • Any groups of 3 + identical character types

  • Any names, persons, places, or things from a common dictionary

  • Any of your names (first, middle, last) or any current Cal Poly username

  • Any previous Cal Poly Portal passwords used within the last two years

  • Repetitive characters (sequences)

How Often Do I Need to Update My Passphrase/Password?

The expiration period is 400 days, allowing you to reset your passphrase/password on the same date each year if you choose.

 

After you reset/update your passphrase/password, don’t forget to update it anywhere it may be saved to prevent a temporary lock on your Cal Poly account, including:

  • All devices, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices (phones, tablets, etc.) If you have a state macOS computer, learn how to update the device password.

  • Email programs

  • Wi-Fi settings

  • Password managers

  • Web browsers