On Tuesday, July 27 Missouri State will implement new account security polices designed to better protect the university community from evolving cybersecurity threats. These include new BearPass Password complexity rules, an expansion of Missouri State multifactor authentication program, and the broad availability of a new self-service password reset option.

BearPass Password Complexity

BearPass Passwords set on or after July 27, 2021 must be at least 12 characters in length and will no longer periodically expire. Password changes may still be required in response to changes in account security status or suspected compromise, but most users will not encounter this.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Beginning July 27 all Missouri State students, faculty, and staff will use Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to access university resources like Office 365, Administrative Banner, and the VPN. Users who are not already using it should set up MFA now, and will receive a notification email with more information.

Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)

Beginning July 27 all Missouri State students, faculty, and staff can use Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) to reset their BearPass Password or unlock their account using the same authentication information as is used by MFA.

Help is Available

If you need help setting up security options or using MFA and SSPR, join the Account Security Setup webinar on July 12, July 14, July 15, July 21, or July 26 to learn more  — registration is available on My Learning Connection.