Andromeda Passwords

In this new age of GPU resources and AI agents account security is more important than ever. To that end, Andromeda 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 Andromeda 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.
  • 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&&&

First Time Login Password change Process

  1. SSH to andromeda.bc.edu
  2. When prompted, enter your temporary password to log in
  3. When prompted, enter your temporary password a second time to start the password change process
    • If you aren’t prompted for you password, run “kpasswd” and the repeat step 3
  4. Enter a new password that meets the criteria listed at the top of this page
  5. Re-enter that new password as a validation step

* When typing your new and temporary password you will not see the typed characters displayed on the screen.

General Password change Process

  1. SSH to andromeda.bc.edu
  2. Run “kpasswd”
  3. Enter your current password
  4. Enter a new password that meets the criteria listed above
  5. Re-enter that new password as a validation step

* When typing your new and current password you will not see the typed characters displayed on the screen.

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.

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