University Passphrases
Passphrases
University passwords have transitioned to a passphrase system as of August 1.
Passphrases provide extra security during login and only require reset once a year.
Important
You will create your new passphrase when your current password is next scheduled to expire, if you choose to manually reset it. It will take the entire campus about 90 days to transition to the new passphrase system.
Passphrase Requirements
A passphrase must be 15 or more characters in length.
OIT recommends a unique, memorable phrase consisting of several words and characters when creating a passphrase.
Keep in mind your passphrase:
- Will expire 365 days (1 year) after reset.
- Should not contain significant portions of your username or full name.
- Cannot be one of your 10 most recent passwords.
- Consider using spaces, lower/uppercase letters, special characters, or numbers to further strengthen the security of your password.
About Passphrase Resets
To reset your passphrase, go to my.boisestate.edu and select Reset/Create Password below the passphrase field.
If you are already logged in to myBoiseState, select the dropdown arrow next to your name at upper-right, then choose Change Password.
Boise State’s password recovery tool requires enrollment to use. Learn more by visiting the Password Recovery Tool page.
You cannot reset a Google for Education generic account (e.g., an account not named for an employee) through myBoiseState.
If you forgot your passphrase, a request must be made by phone to the Help Desk at (208) 426-4357.
If your passphrase is intruder-locked (e.g. ten failed attempts locking your account), you can wait 30 minutes for your account to unlock and try again.
Password Expiry Email Notifications
Email notifications are sent when your Boise State account passphrase is about to expire.
You will receive up to two reminder emails. The first is sent five days before your passphrase expires. The second arrives within 48 hours of expiration, if you haven’t yet updated your passphrase.
These emails are courtesy reminders and are not phishing attempts. Below is an example of an expiry email reminder.
Need Assistance?
For more information, contact the Help Desk at (208) 426-4357 or visit a Zone location in the Student Union Building or Interactive Learning Center.
Please note, a passphrases can only be changed over the phone or in-person. For security reasons, password reset requests submitted through email or Help Desk Self Service will not be honored.
You will be asked for information to confirm your identity before your passphrase can be changed.