UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 31, Page 9
May 11, 1995
TechTalk
Shhh! Keep a secret!

     Would you tape the passcode to your home security system on your
front door? Would you write your long distance calling card number on
the wall of a phone booth?
     Of course not. Either of these actions would put you at
considerable risk.
     Allowing someone else to know your UD Personal Identification
Number (PIN) or computer password can be equally as risky. "Faculty,
staff and students must exercise good judgment about their passwords
and PINs," Susan Allmendinger, systems security and access, said.
     "If you reveal your password to anyone, that person can represent
you," according to Mike Porter, network and systems services. Not only
can people assume your identity, they can ruin your reputation beyond
repair.
     "You are accountable for the use of your account on the
University's systems: computers, voice mail and other systems. It is a
violation of University policy to share your computer account, your
private v-mail  box or your University ID card," Allmendinger
explained. "It is also a  violation to try to obtain access to someone
else's computer account or other private information."
     In the past, attempts were made to break into the University's
systems by someone trying to guess passwords. "It's crucial that
people carefully choose a password not easy to guess," Porter said.
     "The University's information systems can be secure, reliable
places to work only when our users are careful with their passwords
and PINs," Allmendinger said.