Today I would like to discuss sharing passwords (or passphrases) with other people. There are many issues with sharing your passwords – the first is it is against ANR’s computing policy (as well as the policies of UCOP, UCD, UCB, and UCR). I will go over a few examples of what other people can do with your login information for different systems to demonstrate why password sharing is prohibited.
If you give someone your ANR Portal login information they can send messages via Collaborative Tools that appear to be coming from you. They can also edit SiteBuilder sites that you are an editor of, post to your Blogs, edit your Surveys, and the like. But even more concerning is that they can look at your Reviews, Grant Proposals, and access any of the other tools you use.
If you share your UCD (or UCOP, UCB, or UCR) login information people can see and do even more than what they can do with your ANR Portal login. Since that login information can be used to access your Portal with UC Trust – all of the above issues are associated with those accounts too. These campus accounts are generally also linked to At Your Service Online, meaning that if someone has that username and password they can login and see your Earning Statements, change your tax withholdings, and switch your health care options.
If malicious activity occurs from a computer that is logged in with your credentials then you need to demonstrate that you were not involved in that activity. It is much easier to just not give out your information, because you never know who will end up with your login information once you share it.
There are alternatives to giving others your login information and they vary depending upon what you want someone to be able to do for you. Please contact ANR ITG for assistance with these alternative methods of access to services or information.
If you have shared your login information I would recommend changing your password for the account that you have shared. It will help ensure your information is private and keep your account from being used in a way that would impact you negatively.
If you have any questions please contact me or any or the ANR ITG staff:
Damon DiPietro (530) 754-3920 dadipietro@ucdavis.edu
James Bai (530) 754-3915 jbai@ucdavis.edu
Paul Wilson (530)754-3942 plwilson@ucdavis.edu
Sep 2, 2011
