Passwords

Your Flinders account password

At the University your FAN and password act as a means to access your Okta dashboard, wireless internet, and other IT services. To ensure that these services and the data they contain remain secure, it is important to create and maintain strong passwords.

How to set a strong password

Don't include:

❌ FAN username details

❌ Your name or the name of anyone you know

❌ Words from the dictionary, unless using a well formed passphrase

❌ Personal details such as your date of birth or address

Additional tips:

A well formed passphrase consists of at least 3 un-common words combining upper case, lower case, and a numeric digit
Don’t write your password down
Don’t share your password with anyone
Don’t allow your browser or phone to automatically fill passwords
Never enter your password into a site that you are not familiar with

10 attempts lockout rule

If you enter your password incorrectly 10 times, your FAN will be locked for 60 minutes. This lockout prevents malicious users from attempting to guess FAN passwords with repeated login attempts. Rather than waiting 60 minutes for your FAN to unlock, you can also reset your password and sign in immediately.

Defence in Depth - MFA

Ensure MFA is enabled over your FAN to add an extra layer of protection.

Learn more about MFA

How to change / reset password

1. Go to the password reset page

Reset your password

2. Choose a method to reset

Enter your FAN and select Reset via SMS or Reset via Email.

Reset via SMS: You will receive a verification code on your phone. Enter the code and click verify.
Reset via Email: You will receive an email with a URL to reset your passoword.

3. Set a new password

Answer the Forgotten Password Challenge question and you will be able to set a new FAN password. You will be directed to your Okta dashboard.

Password managers

A password manager is an application that can store all your passwords and other relevant user login information in an encrypted database that is accessed via a single master password. A password manager allows you to select a unique complex password for each of your accounts, and all you need to remember is the master password to access them. A good password manager will also include two-factor or two-step authentication. This improves the security (especially for critical websites such as banking) by requiring a second form of identification to login, for instance a one-time code sent to a smart phone.

Recommended managers

For Flinders use

For storing University system or shared credentials securely (excluding FAN and personal accounts), please contact the IDS Help Desk.

Licensing: Enterprise license available – send a request to ids@flinders.edu.au.

For personal use

LastPass

Licensing: Free (Additional features available with paid plans)

Support for digital and IT services

Opening hours: 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

After hours or when all staff are busy you will be given an option to leave a voicemail message. Voicemails will be accessed as soon as practical during business hours otherwise you may choose to log an IT support request.