As many NetID passwords near their expiration dates, e-mail notifications are being sent to users who need to create new passwords in order to continue using their accounts.

In spring 2008, the University's Information Security Office and University Information Technology Services worked together to have more than 70,000 NetID users change their passwords in order to protect the University network and campus community members' private financial and identity information.

Prior to the change, NetID passwords did not have expiration dates. Now, even the strongest passwords have a maximum term of 365 days, which means the expiration date is approaching for most NetID users.

Those who need to change their passwords will receive e-mail notifications from the 24/7 IT Support Center beginning two weeks before expiration and will see an alert when they log into WebAuth-protected sites. The notifications will encourage users to visit the "Change UA NetID password" page at netid.arizona.edu. The Web page offers tips on creating a strong password.

Anyone with questions or concerns about updating passwords can contact the 24/7 IT Support Center at 626-TECH (8324) or support@email.arizona.edu. The center is located in Room 207 of the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center.