Overview


It is important that you choose a secure password and protect that password from being seen or stolen by anyone. This document will cover changing your password and some basic requirements and suggestions. For more information on creating a secure password and protecting that password please see this article:

When changing your password, it is important that you have access to any mobile devices you have setup to connect to the system. If you do not have access to them we recommend that you not change your password at that time. Any mobile device that is powered on and setup to connect to the system but that uses your now old password will cause your account to “lock out” and prevent you from accessing Firm systems including email, network drives, and more.

Password Requirements

To meet the Firm and IRS password security requirements your password must meet the following specifications:

  • Must be at least 16 characters long (including spaces)
  • Can not include your name or logon user name (i.e. John, Smith or JSmith)
  • Cannot be any of your last 5 passwords
  • Must have 1 upper case letter (A – Z)
  • Must have 1 lower case letter (a – z)
  • One number (0 – 9)
  • One non-alphanumeric character: ~!@#$%^&*_-+=`|\(){}[]:;"'<>,.?/


For best security, we ask that you also not include any of the following in your password as they are commonly tried by people attempting to illegally access our systems:

  • The words “Password”, “password”, or “secret”
  • The words “Smith”, “Howard”, “accounting”, “wealth”, “management”, and “money”
  • The words “logon”, “login”, “username”, or “network”
  • Please do not iterate your password, for example “Supersecret1!” should not become “Supersecret2!” when you next change your password. It is important that your password fully change to keep the system secure.
  • Avoid using anything that can be easily found on your LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media


Once you have changed your network password you will need to update your LastPass Master Password to match.


How to change your password when in office

If you do not remember your old password you will need IT Assistance.

  1.  Log into your computer
  2. Once you have logged in and get your desktop then on your keyboard press CTRL-ALT-DEL
  3.  A new screen will come up with a list of options, click on “Change a password”



  4.  On the next screen enter your current/ old password. Then below that enter your new password, and do it again to confirm. You can click on the eye at the far right of the box to confirmed what you typed.

  5.  Press ENTER or the RIGHT ARROW to save your password

  6. You will be notified that your password has been changed.
  7.  Log off from your computer by going to START > ACCOUNT ICON > Sign Out or by restarting y our computer. It is important to do this to ensure you do not have any issues going forward
  8. Sign in with your new password.
  9. Update this password on all mobile devices that download email, contacts, and/ or calendar


Changing your Password from Remote using your Firm issued laptop

NOTE: If you cannot connect to the VPN, you may need IT Assistance 

  1. Log on to your laptop using the current non-expired password.
  2. Connect to the GlobalProtect VPN (You should be automatically connecting as soon as you have an internet connection)
  3. Once connected open the L: drive to be sure you are fully connected.
  4. Close the L: drive and any other open or running applications other than the GlobalProtect  VPN client. 
  5. Press CTRL-ALT-DEL on your laptop
  6. In the menu that comes up click on "Change a password"


  7. On the next screen enter your current/ old password. Then below that enter your new password, and do it again to confirm. You can click on the eye at the far right of the box to confirmed what you typed.

  8. Wait 15 minutes to allow the password to update throughout the system- do not disconnect from the VPN during this time.

  9. Disconnect from the VPN at the end of the 15 minutes, then reconnect.
  10. Once connected press CTRL-ALT-DEL and click on "Lock" to lock the computer - do not log off instead, this will cause an issue.
  11.  Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to log back into/ unlock the computer with the new password.
  12.  If you can log into the computer and VPN with the new password, then everything worked. If you have any issues, please contact IT.
  13.  You will need to update your new password on all mobile devices or your account will become “locked out” and you will be unable to access system resources.



Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the Help Desk at [email protected], via the Help Desk website, or by calling 404.879.3434/ x3434.