In this new age of GPU resources and AI agents account security is more important than ever. To that end, Andromeda 2 has a set of password policies to ensure researchers are settings a strong password for their access to the cluster.
- Your last 100 passwords cannot be reused
- 4 Character classes are required (Upper and low case, numeric and special)
- Min password length is 12 characters
- A maximum of 3 repeated (aaa) characters in a row
- A maximum of 3 sequential (abc) characters
- Passwords cannot contain your login, first name, last name, etc…
*NEVER SHARE YOUR PASSWORD WITH ANYONE!!!
**ONLY YOU ARE ALLOWED TO LOG INTO THE CLUSTER WITH YOUR ACCOUNT!
When an account is first created on A2 the account owner is given a temporary password for an initial login where they’ll need to set a long term password to have full access to the cluster’s resources.
Password Tips
- Longer is better
- The following would make a pretty good password (don’t actually use it as your pw!!!):
My dog’s the only 1 for me =) - That phrase has all 5 character class; Upper, lower, numeric, punctuation and special.
- The following would make a pretty good password (don’t actually use it as your pw!!!):
- 3 repeated and/or 3 sequential characters might get your password rejected
- There’s an obscure rule in the character class counting process for our identity management that deducts a class if the new password you enter meets, but doesn’t exceed, the repeat and/or sequential limits.
- The following will fail:
SayfPW999&&& - These will also fail, because they still meet 2 of the limits:
SayfPW999&&&!
SayfPW999&&&!@
SayfPW999&&&!@6 - This will succeed:
SayfPW996&&&
Password change Process
- SSH to a002.bc.edu
- Run “kpasswd”
- Enter temporary password that was provided
- Enter a new password that meets the criteria listed above
- Re-enter that new password as a validation step
If you have forgotten your password or would like help setting a new one, please visit the Research Help page to submit a request for assistance.