Summary

This article explains password security standards for Employee/Student E-Mail Accounts and ctcLink/Canvas Accounts

Requirements for Employee/Student E-Mail Accounts:

1. Password Length: Passwords must be at least 10 characters long.

2. Complexity: Passwords must include at least three of the following:

  • Uppercase letter (A-Z)
    • Lowercase letter (a-z)
    • Number (0-9)
    • Special character (!, @, #, $, etc.)

3. Personal Information: Passwords cannot contain the user's name, birthdate, or Student/Employee ID number.

4. Uniqueness: Passwords must be significantly different from the previous four passwords (e.g., Password1, Password2, etc.).

Requirements for ctcLink/Canvas Accounts:


1. Password Length: Passwords must be at least 8 characters long.

2. Complexity: Passwords must include:

    • Uppercase letter (A-Z)
    • Lowercase letter (a-z)
    • Number (0-9) 

Special characters (!, @, #, $, etc.) may be used, but are not required.

3. Personal Information: Passwords cannot contain the user's name, birthdate, or Student/Employee ID number.

4. Uniqueness: Passwords must be significantly different from the previous four passwords (e.g., Password1, Password2, etc.).

Tip: Strong passwords are crucial for cybersecurity. Using passphrases, unique combinations, and updating your passwords regularly help keep your accounts secure against cyber threats.

Note: The college follows the IT security standards published by the Washington State Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO).

SEC-06-01-S Identification and Authentication Security Standard